With Paramount having had some directorial issues where their World War Z sequel is concerned, it looks as if the studio is still keen (and hopeful) on the idea of having David Fincher helm the follow-up to the 2013 picture.

Previously, reports suggested that Fincher – who has worked with star Brad Pitt on Se7en and Fight Club – was very “creatively interested” in directing World War Z 2, and now comes further word that Paramount still see the man who also directed the likes of Alien 3, The Game, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl as their top choice for the sequel.

World War Z 2 producer David Ellison stoked the fire further, telling Collider, “There’s a script that we’re incredibly happy with, and it’s just getting a couple of key deals closed… we hope makes the movie.”

The last person tied to the gig was Juan Antonio Bayona, but he ultimately departed the project to work on Jurassic World 2 instead. Now, Fincher is firmly in the frame to direct, and he’s believed to be keen to move forward with a World War Z 2 based upon a screenplay from Utopia’s Dennis Kelly.

As ever, expect more on this as it develops.