Sony Pictures just got really serious about going forth with a Zombieland followup. In a Deadline’s exclusive, the Studio has just hired Dave Callaham to be the new writer of the sequel with Ruben Fleischer overseeing. Fleischer also will be reprising his role as director.

Callaham’s resume includes The Expendables, Godzilla, and Jackpot, all of which (especially the last one) embodies the dark wit and humor of Zombieland. It is unclear why original writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are uninvolved however, Callaham’s many credits as well as the fact he will be under the instruction of Fleischer, definitely presents more hope for fans especially after that abysmal Amazon TV series attempt last year.

The original Zombieland was considered a sleeper hit (I NEVER DOUBTED), grossing over $100 million at the box office. Which could be why Sony is twitching with anticipation to follow up on its success already, especially with the poor reception of the television series. While it is not clear is any of the original cast will return, Sony would be shooting themselves in the foot repeatedly if they did not at least attempt to bring back the talents of Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Bresli.

Also, just to really have everyone feel their age, Zombieland will be five on Thursday. I will just let that sink in.