This Actor May Replace Kirk Cameron (& Join Nicolas Cage) in End-Times 'Left Behind' Film Reboot

Fans of the "Left Behind" books and movies were likely shocked to learn that the film series is being prepped for a reboot starring actor Nicholas Cage. Following the initial announcement, many have wondered about the additional names who will be added to the cast in the coming months. This week, Deadline is reporting that Chad Michael Murray, star of the now-defunct television show "One Tree Hill," is in negotiations to play the role of Buck Williams, a journalist who is one of the storyline's main characters.

Actor and producer Kirk Cameron had this role in the first three films, which are now being re-worked by Cloud Ten Pictures (Cameron is not reported to have a role in the reboot). As TheBlaze previously reported, while "Left Behind" is getting a major face-lift, the team behind the older films is, at least to a degree, intact.

Actor Chad Michael Murray (Photo Credit: CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP)

Writer, producer and Cloud Ten founder Paul Lalonde created the original series and he’s once again leading the latest effort. Script consultant John Patus, one of the many individuals who worked on “Left Behind: World at War,” the third movie in the old series, is also involved in the new project.

Some may wonder how the Christian market will react to a more mainstream actor starring in the film — one who isn’t known for having an overt faith allegiance. Naturally, reaction to these developments is yet to be seen.

Actor Chad Michael Murray (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

While the reboot will follow what the Hollywood Reporter calls “a classic disaster film” format, the essential tenets of end-times theology will still be present. In fact, the film will remain Christian at its core, with the plot, once again, focusing on the survivors living in the hours after the Biblical Rapture.

Shooting is currently scheduled to begin in spring 2013 in Baton Rouge, La. According to Variety, “Lalonde [claims] that there is a theatrical guarantee in place from distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films.”

Murray's participation hasn't been confirmed, but his addition would add yet another well-known name to a project that is sure to spark plenty of media attention.

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Related:

• End-Times Christian Movie Series ‘Left Behind’ Set for Hollywood Reboot (& Starring Nicolas Cage?)