Perhaps the Rapture ignored Nicolas Cage in light of cinematic sins such as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and The Wicker
The Hollywood Reporter relays that Cage will star in an upcoming reboot of the faith-based Left Behind franchise to be directed by iconic stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong. Paul Lalonde, who penned and produced the films of the original trilogy, tackles writing duties alongside John Patus, who helped write the trilogy’s final film.
This redo still derives from Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ massively popular novels and the biblical concepts of the Rapture and the End of Days, but will invoke a far different tone than the original films. Armstrong’s take aims to play like a traditional disaster flick, focusing on how those left behind react to the Rapture in the hours after it takes place. The Day After Tomorrow meets the Book of Revelation times three? Consider me intrigued. Producers hope the $15 million-budgeted reboot spawns a trilogy, and it might happen with a concept that should more easily engage mainstream moviegoers.
Led by everyone’s favorite former teen star Kirk Cameron, the original series consisted of three direct-to-video films that focused on politics – specifically how they might play into the End of Days. Fictional political figure Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist and – wait for it – the primary nemesis of the series. The first film of that Left Behind incarnation hit theaters after its home release in perhaps the oddest marketing method this writer has ever seen.
The casting of Cage seems odd at first glance, but other Oscar winners like Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) have lent their talents to entertainment geared toward a Christian audience. Even Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. (An Officer and a Gentleman) acted in the last installment of the original trilogy, Left Behind: World at War.
At least Cage isn’t investigating the legitimacy of the Apollo 11 moon landing or something similar in another National Treasure film. It’s still up in the air how exactly he fits into Left Behind, but we should find out soon as the film gears to shoot next spring.
