The Rapture is Upon Us
Adding to the slew of apocalypse films already released or currently in production is a remake of the Left Behind series. To refresh your memory, Left Behind, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, is a series of 16 books following survivors of the Christian apocalypse as they fight the anti-Christ and seek redemption. It’s one of those guilty-pleasure type reads that’s interesting if not terribly substantial or well-written. The series brings together the odd combination of flashy action and romance plus deep religious undertones. The series already spawned one low-budget (but not unpopular) film franchise starring Kirk Cameron and now it’s getting a Second Coming with Nicolas Cage.
At this point there’s been no word as to what role Cage will be given since there are three equally-important male leads in the series. There’s Rayford Steele, who in pre-rapture times was an arrogant pilot and distant husband, Cameron “Buck” Williams, who’s an intrepid reporter that never developed a personal relationship with God, and pastor Bruce Barnes, who failed to practice what he preached.
On the other hand, Cage might play protagonist Nicolae Carpathia, former Secretary General of the United
Nations and president of Romania who seems to suspiciously fill the profile of a certain cloven-hoofed individual in the Bible.
Whatever the role, Cage has the resume for it. He’s the go-to name for any action film, and with movies like 1998′s City of Angels, he’s no stranger to religious genres either.
Paul Lalonde will produce and help pen Left Behind with screenwriter Jouhn Patus, who worked on the third installment of the original film series. It’ll be interesting to see what Patus does with the larger (though still modest) budget of the remake. A $15 million dollar budget isn’t a lot for a movie — many movies run quadruple that amount — but it’s quite a jump from the $4 million budget of the original.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Reel Movie Nation will keep you updated on all Left Behind news. Meanwhile, tell us what you think in the comments. Is Nic Cage the right actor for this movie? What character should he play and who else should be cast? Is a remake a good idea? Let us know!
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