What do all kids hope to find in their stocking on Christmas morning? How about a big budget zombie apocalypse thriller starring the greatest actor in the world, Brad Pitt? Well, some lucky, horror happy tyke is going to get his ultimate wish next year!

That's right, Paramount Pictures has set director Marc Forster's big screen adaptation of the Max Brooks novel World War Z with a December 21, 2012 release date.

World War Z, which also stars Mireille Enos (The Killing) and Anthony Mackie, is currently in production. The move to release it in December pits the horror themed survival adventure against The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, opening on December 14th, Lone Ranger, opening December 18th, and Django Unchained, which arrives Christmas morning just like lil' baby Jesus.

It looks like 2012 will be the year when you ask for gift certificates to your favorite local Cineplex, as no other gift will apparently do.