Paramount is in the early stages of developing a new adaptation of “Heaven Can Wait,” with Glen Powell set to star, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Stephen Gaghan, an Oscar-winning screenwriter known for “Traffic,” is writing the script for the project.
The original 1978 movie “Heaven Can Wait,” directed by Warren Beatty, was based on Harry Segall’s play of the same name. It starred Beatty as an NFL quarterback who dies prematurely due to a mistake by an angel and returns to Earth in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. The film was a critical success, earning nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and winning Best Art Direction.
Powell and Gaghan’s new version will deviate from the original by not featuring a football player as the main character, although it will retain the core concept of a man taken from life too soon and placed in a different body.
The story of “Heaven Can Wait” has seen multiple adaptations over the years. The original play was first adapted into the 1941 film “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” which featured a boxer as the lead character. In 2001, Chris Rock starred in “Down to Earth,” another adaptation where the protagonist was a comedian.
Glen Powell has become a highly sought-after leading man, especially following his success in Sony’s romantic comedy “Anyone but You” opposite Sydney Sweeney.
He has several upcoming projects, including “Hit Man” for Netflix, Universal’s action sequel “Twisters,” the revenge drama “Huntington,” Edgar Wright’s adaptation of “The Running Man,” and a new film from J.J. Abrams.