by: S. Scott Stanikmas – Senior Staff Writer
NOW ON TWITTER @IR_Supernerd

Man, this is a franchise that just can’t catch a break.

Deadline uncovered the news that Juan Antonio Bayona has officially left World War Z 2. The director supposedly needs more time to put the finishing touches on his current film, the fantasy adventure A Monster Calls.

Paramount, the studio behind the zombie flick, released the following statement regarding Bayona’s departure:

Bayona is no longer able to make World War Z 2 this year, and it is our ambition to do so. He is a wonderful director and we hope to work with him soon.

That sounds like a diplomatic way of saying “Screw him. We didn’t want him anyway.”

The film was supposed to start filming this year with an eye on a July 9, 2017 release. But that might be pushed back unless the studio finds someone pretty darn quick.

The first film was plagued with all kinds of setbacks as well. From re-writing and re-shooting the entire third act to a ballooning budget, World War Z was deemed a doomed film before it even hit theaters. But it was surprisingly good and even made back enough money to warrant a sequel being made.

I’m excited to see what was in store for the sequel. Hopefully Paramount can get a director sooner rather than later to get this project back on track.