Damon Lindelof to rewrite 'World War Z'

Screenwriter Damon Lindelof has been brought in to rewrite the script for "World War Z," months after filming closed on the Brad Pitt-starring adaptation of Max Brooks' best-selling book.

Filming had already finished on the film.

Directed by Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland," "Quantum of Solace") based on a screenplay from Matthew Michael Carnahan ("State of Play") and J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5," "Thor"), the film has found itself in a world of trouble over the last month or so.

First the release date was pushed back from this December to June 21, 2013, and then it was announced that seven weeks of reshoots were scheduled for September or October.

According to Heat Vision, Lindelof, co-creator of ABC's "Lost" and co-writer of Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," will focus on the film's third act.

Brooks' novel is described as a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

Pitt stars as the U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos (AMC's "The Killing") plays Pitt's wife, while James Badge Dale (HBO's "Pacific") plays a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat.

National Society of Films Critics honors 'Melancholia,' 'The Tree of Life'

The National Society of Film Critics has announced its annual awards, naming controversial director Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" the top film of 2011 although "The Tree of Life" took home the most awards.

The film picked up two awards.

They also awarded Kirsten Dunst for her work in the film as well as Brad Pitt, for his roles in "Moneyball" and "The Tree of Life."

Albert Brooks was named best supporting actor while actress Jessica Chastain was similarly recognized for her busy year, with roles in "The Tree of Life," "Take Shelter" and "The Help."

"The Tree of Life" also picked up best director for Terrance Malick and best cinematography for Emmanual Lubezski.

"A Separation" meanwhile was named best foreign-language film and best screenplay for writer Asghar Farhadi.

'World War Z' to be a trilogy?

The feature film adaptation of Max Brooks' "World War Z" may well end up being a trilogy.

In a sprawling interview with lead actor Brad Pitt, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that both director Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland") and Paramount Pictures are eying the project as a three-parter.

"World War Z" hits theaters Dec. 21.

Brooks' novel is described as a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

Pitt will star as the U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos (AMC's "The Killing") will play Pitt's wife, while James Badge Dale (HBO's "Pacific") will play a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat. French actress Julia Levy-Boeken ("Entourage," "Road Trip: Beer Pong") is also attached, as is Elyes Gabel ("Game of Thrones"), who will play Fassberch.

Forster is directing based on a screenplay from Matthew Michael Carnahan ("State of Play") and J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5," "Thor").