After word earlier this year that the novel would finally get its screen adaptation on TV via Amazon and the Beeb, the good news about Good Omens continues with the casting, as Michael Sheen and David Tennant are starring.
Combining the best of both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's writing styles, Good Omens is by turns dark, philosophical and barkingly funny. Angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley have got rather fond of Earth and are thusly annoyed to discover that the Antichrist is going to show up and bring it to an end. Terry Gilliam was once planning a film adaptation with Johnny Depp and Robin Williams, but was scuppered by 9/11.
The Beeb previously adapted the book for Radio 4 back in 2014 and now Gaiman is writing all the episodes for the new show, planned for releases on Amazon Prime Video worldwide first in 2019 before a separate broadcast on the BBC. Sheen is playing the mannered angel, while Tennant, by a process of elimination, is the laidback demon.
"I first read Good Omens as a teenager and it’s been one of my favourite stories ever since,” Sheen tells Variety. “To be part of the team entrusted with bringing it alive on screen is a bit of a dream come true to be honest. To work alongside Neil, who I think is one of the greatest storytellers of all time, is incredibly exciting. And, just like the rest of the world, I’m a huge fan of David’s so I relish trying to save it with him." Hooray!