There is another angel in heaven tonight - cinematically speaking, at least. Alex Proyas has just added Djimon Hounsou to the cast of Paradise Lost.
Based on John Milton’s epic 17th century poem, the story will expand upon the massive spat in heaven between squabbling archangels Lucifer (Bradley Cooper) and Michael (Ben Walker), who have a big disagreement over God’s sudden love for his new creation, humans. Lost’s plot will also detail the angels’ role in Adam and Eve’s fall from grace.
Hounsou’s been picked for the role of Abdiel, the angel of death. He denounces Lucifer’s plan to have his fellow seraphs revolt and brings word of his treachery to God, only to discover that He is already aware of events (omniscient, innit?) and is preparing His forces to fight. Wonder if an angelic chorus will start singing Eye of the Tiger to pump them up?
With a script in hand that has seen contributions from the likes of Byron Willinger, Stuart Hazeldine, Philip de Blasi, Lawrence Kasdan and Ryan Condal, Proyas will start shooting later this year, utilising performance capture technology to bring the various angels to life.