John Boyega is set to star in and executive produce “The Book Of Eli,” a TV series prequel to the 2010 post-apocalyptic that originally starred Denzel Washington. The TV project, led by writer Gary Whitta and the Hughes brothers as directors, is produced by Alcon Entertainment.
The neo-Western film is set thirty years after a nuclear catastrophe, following Eli, played by Washington, as he protects a sacred book containing humanity’s salvation secrets. The TV series is expected to explore events 30 years before the film, possibly during the nuclear event or its immediate aftermath.
Details about the TV series are limited, but it is considered a high-profile star-driven, IP-based package in the premium TV marketplace. Industry insiders expect an increase in premium TV deals in early 2024.
While the 2010 movie was a box-office success, earning $157.1 million worldwide on an $80 million budget, the TV prequel is not associated with Warner Bros., which distributed the original film.
John Boyega, known for his role in the Star Wars franchise, will portray a younger version of Denzel Washington’s Eli. His recent credits include Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone” and the award-winning film “Breaking.” Boyega’s TV work includes the Prime Video limited series “Small Axe,” where he earned a Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.
As the TV series takes shape, fans can anticipate an exploration of the world preceding “The Book Of Eli” film, with Boyega contributing his talent to this highly anticipated TV prequel. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project.