The monumentally popular “Left Behind” books have collectively sold well over 60 million copies and have inspired a number of feature films.
And fans of the iconic end-times series — who haven’t seen a “Left Behind” movie hit the big screen since 2014 — will soon have a reason to rejoice, as a new film is in production, reviving the franchise’s beloved characters and eschatological storyline.
Listen to today’s podcast and subscribe:
“Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist” is currently filming in Canada and CBN News and Faithwire exclusively spoke with director and star Kevin Sorbo and co-star Greg Perrow to hear their heart behind the project, and what audiences can expect from the next chapter in the beloved saga.
Watch the exclusive interview:
Sorbo, who is leading the production and portraying character Rayford Steele (last played by actor Nicolas Cage), said he has long wanted to be part of a new “Left Behind” production.
“I’ve known about the ‘Left Behind’ books forever,” Sorbo said. “There was no way that anything else was going to get in the way of me wanting to be a part of this.”
The “Hercules” and “God’s Not Dead” actor said directing the film is a “big bonus,” but he’s truly honored with the opportunity to portray Steele — and at such an uncertain cultural time.
“I love movies like this. I love movies that have hope, redemption, laughter, and love, and things that we need more than ever in this world — in this crazy, divisive world we live in,” Sorbo said. “And we’re hoping a movie like this will be a positive impact on people around the world.”
Sorbo gave audiences some clues as to what they can expect in “Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist,” noting it will be a bit “grittier” and might more deeply speak to the issues of the day.
“I think it’s a grittier feel to it. The world’s a whole different place right now. … it feels like the rapture’s just down the road right now,” he said. “The Sodom and Gomorrah we’re living in right now.”
Despite so much “hatred and anger,” Sorbo pointed to the brighter elements we can still find around us.
“There’s still hope out there,” he said.
As for Perrow, who plays intrepid reporter Buck Williams (originally played by Kirk Cameron and later Chad Michael Murray), he’s elated to get to be part of a franchise that inspired his own family while he was growing up.
“My dad was a huge fan of all the books,” Perrow said, adding that he’s bringing his own acting perspective and take to the iconic Buck Williams role.
He’s hoping to inspire audiences through the film to more deeply explore the Bible and eschatology.
“[We hope to be able to] ground those ideas and make it more relatable so people can truly understand,” he said of end-times Scriptures. “Using this creative avenue, and through a movie, people can really watch this and just kind of personally relate to what it potentially might be like in the end times.”
Perrow said he has found himself praying during the production, proclaiming, “Lord, let this role speak to people.” Sorbo echoed this invocation and said he has high hopes for the success of “Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist.”
“[I hope] it reaches more people than any faith-based movie has ever reached before in this history of mankind,” he said.
Watch our interview with Sorbo and Perrow for more on “Left Behind.”
***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***