Brad brings his zombies Down Under

Brad Pitt fans will be get the chance to see their idol in the flesh when he hits Sydney to promote his film World War Z. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

WHILE attempts to woo him Down Under for an extended film shoot seem to have failed, Brad Pitt is still set to arrive in Sydney in less than a month for a premiere that looks to give next week's gala for The Great Gatsby a run for its money.

The heart-throb - mooted to star in an Australian-made reboot of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea but who turned down the part - was yesterday confirmed to attend the red carpet opening of his years-in-the-making apocalyptic action horror, World War Z.

Mr Angelina Jolie will take to the ruby rug on Sunday, June 9, at a yet-to-be-announced location.

The appearance is expected to match the "fandemonium" of the Gatsby unveiling next Wednesday, with more than 1000 people due to descend on Fox Studios to see stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Joel Edgerton.

Pitt's trip to Australia is part of a monster marketing push for the problem-plagued World War Z, which began on a budget of $170 million but has since ballooned to a reported $400 million - a staggering $100 million more than the most expensive movie ever made, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. The 49-year-old fought a long battle to bring the Max Brooks zombie novel to the silver screen, starting with a bidding war over the rights in 2007. Pitt's production company Plan B went head-to-head with DiCaprio's production house, Appian Way, but Pitt eventually won.

After starting pre-production in 2011, rumours leaked that Pitt and the director, Quantam Of Solace's Marc Forster, fought to the point they would only communicate through third parties.

Pitt was the first name linked to David Fincher's dark reimagining of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.

The federal government has offered Walt Disney $21.6 million to shoot the film in Australia.

In January it was reported that Pitt had turned down the role and it has since been offered to Channing Tatum.

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