No one can replace David Bowie, but Chiwetel Ejiofor is about to step into one of the late singer’s biggest film roles. According to Deadline, Paramount+ is developing a remake of The Man Who Fell to Earth, based on the sci-fi novel by Walter Tevis. The novel was famously made into a film starring Bowie in 1976. However, this new interpretation will air as a TV series.
Tevis published his original novel almost 60 years ago in 1963. The story centered on Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who arrives on Earth. His aim is to find a new home for his species, whose own planet has fallen victim to severe drought. Unfortunately, Thomas’ mission becomes complicated when he succumbs to human vices like drugs and alcohol.
Star Trek: Discovery’s Alex Kurtzman is co-showrunning Paramount+’s remake with Jenny Lumet. Kurtzman is also directing the series as well. And it sounds like their version will take some liberties with its source material. Apparently, Ejiofor is playing a “new” alien character, “who arrives on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future.”
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“Chiwetel Ejiofor’s stage and film career are staggering in their bravery, commitment and quality,” said Kurtzman and Lumetsaid in a statement. “He’s everything we could imagine and a million things we can’t. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Directed by Nicholas Roeg, the 1976 adaptation of The Man Who Fell to Earth marked Bowie’s first starring role in a film. The singer received praise for his performance.
Paramount+ hasn’t set a premiere date for The Man Who Fell to Earth.
How do you feel about Ejiorfor headlining the new series? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: The Man Who Fell To Earth
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