World War Z (original title) is a zombie outbreak-themed thriller film released on June 21, 2013. Directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt in the lead role, the film is a co-production between the United States and the United Kingdom. It was produced by Paramount Pictures, Skydance Media, and Hemisphere Media Capital.

Plot

Former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane is living a quiet life with his family when the world is suddenly struck by a mysterious and deadly infection. This infection turns people into mindless zombies, pushing societies and governments toward collapse. After securing his family's safety, Lane embarks on a global mission to prevent the extinction of humanity. He travels across the world in search of the outbreak's origin and a possible solution.

^{World War Z – Official Trailer (Paramount Pictures International)}

Theme

The film addresses the destructive impact of a global epidemic on both societies and individuals, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and human resilience. The zombie outbreak symbolizes the fragility of the modern world and the courage that can emerge in moments of crisis.

Cast and Characters

• Brad Pitt: Gerry Lane
• Mireille Enos: Karin Lane
• Daniella Kertesz: Segen
• James Badge Dale: Captain Speke
• Ludi Boeken: Jürgen Warmbrunn
• Matthew Fox: Paratrooper
• Fana Mokoena: Thierry Umutoni
• David Morse: Ex-CIA Agent
• Elyes Gabel: Andrew Fassbach
• Peter Capaldi: WHO Doctor
• Pierfrancesco Favino: WHO Doctor
• Ruth Negga: WHO Doctor
• Moritz Bleibtreu: WHO Doctor

Awards and Nominations

Awards Won:

• 2014 Saturn Award: Best Thriller Film (Brad Pitt)
• 2014 MTV Movie Award: Best Scared-As-S**t Performance (Brad Pitt)
• 2014 ASCAP Film and Television Music Award: Top Box Office Films (Marco Beltrami)

Nominations:

• Saturn Awards (2014): Best Actor (Brad Pitt)
• Critics' Choice Awards (2014): Best Actor in an Action Movie (Brad Pitt), Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie
• Satellite Awards (2014): Best Visual Effects
• Hollywood Film Awards (2013): Marc Forster
• Key Art Awards (2013): Best Sound/Visual Technique
• Motion Picture Sound Editors (2014): Best Sound Editing – Music
• People’s Choice Awards (2014): Favorite Action Movie
• Teen Choice Awards (2013): Best Summer Movie: Action/Adventure, Choice Movie: Scary Scene
• Young Artist Awards (2014): Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Actress (Abigail Hargrove)
• World Soundtrack Awards (2014): Film Composer of the Year (Marco Beltrami)
• Empire Awards (2014): Best Horror
• Golden Trailer Awards (2013–2014): Best Thriller TV Spot, Summer 2013 Blockbuster Trailer, Best Summer Blockbuster TV Spot
• Scream Awards (2013): Best Special Effects
• IGN Summer Movie Awards (2013): Best Horror Movie
• CinEuphoria Awards (2014): Best Special Effects, Best Trailer
• Guardian Film Awards (2014): Best Marketing Campaign
• Golden Schmoes Awards (2013): Best Horror Movie of the Year, Biggest Surprise of the Year
• Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards (2013): Best Film
• AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2014): Best Actor (Brad Pitt)

Box Office

• Budget: $190,000,000 (estimated)
• Opening Weekend (US & Canada): $66,411,834 (June 23, 2013)
• Total Gross (US & Canada): $202,807,711
• Worldwide Gross: $540,455,876

Significance of the Film

World War Z attracted attention with a global box office success of $540 million, increasing the visibility of the zombie genre as a high-budget production. Combining action and thriller elements while addressing the theme of a global epidemic, it distinguishes itself from other zombie films. Brad Pitt's lead performance was noted, and the film received numerous awards and nominations for its visual effects, music, and pacing. Its cultural impact contributed to its recognition as a prominent example of the zombie theme in both cinema and popular culture.