The 2010 post-apocalyptic thriller The Book of Eli is finally returning, but this time it will be on the small screen in the form of a prequel series. The aforementioned 2010’s cult classic starred Denzel Washington as the mysterious Eli, a blind man who traverses the apocalyptic wasteland as the sole inheritor of humanity’s last hope. With its gritty landscapes and exciting action, The Book of Eli exemplified the sort of action films that Hollywood was producing at the end of the aughts.
Unfortunately, The Book of Eli received mixed reviews from critics and managed to only gross $150 million against an $80 million production budget (via Box Office Mojo). While those numbers sound impressive, the film likely only broke even at best when factoring in the advertising and marketing budget, which often doubles a film’s overall cost. Nevertheless, it became something of a cult hit with the fascinating post-apocalyptic world sparking the interest of fans. A sequel has been highly anticipated, but now the story returns in the form of a prequel TV series.
The Book Of Eli Prequel Series Is Confirmed
The Post-Apocalyptic Story Comes To The Small Screen
In the first major update for the franchise since the release of the movie in 2010, it has now been confirmed that The Book of Eli prequel series is in the works. Despite being a developing project, several big names have already been attached, including Star Wars alum John Boyega who will assume the role of a younger version of Eli (previously played by Denzel Washington). Original writer Gary Whitta is returning as the series’ creator, executive producer, and head writer.
Besides starring, Boyega will also serve as an executive producer alongside the Hughes brothers, who directed the original film. Despite the exciting opportunity, the prequel series to The Book of Eli is not attached to a streaming service or network, and it is likely being shopped around. However, with such a promising start, it won’t be long before a suitor is found.
The Book of Eli
premiered on January 11, 2010.
The Book Of Eli Prequel Series Cast
John Boyega Is Set To Play A Young Eli
So far, the only name attached to star in The Book of Eli prequel series is John Boyega, who will be assuming the role of Eli that was originally played by Denzel Washington. At this juncture, it is impossible to speculate about who will be in the cast, and it is highly unlikely that many of the film’s other characters could return. Eli is unknown to every other character in the film, so the only way they could appear in the prequel is if they are in a separate storyline.
The Book Of Eli Prequel Series Story
What Happened Before The Apocalypse?
Since the ending of The Book of Eli was a conclusive finale to the titular character’s story, it only makes sense that the prequel series will start before the disaster that caused the apocalypse. Though nothing is confirmed about the plot, the show will likely introduce the world and characters right before the apocalypse and then show how they adjust to the terrible new world. The series will also need to show Eli’s transition from an average person to a skilled fighter on a mission.
Could The Book Of Eli 2 Still Happen?
The Sequel May Be Off The Table
The question of
The Book of Eli 2
has been floated since 2010, but all evidence seems to suggest the sequel may never happen.
Despite the fact that the franchise is returning in a prequel, some still clamor for a sequel to continue the story after the conclusion of the movie. The question of The Book of Eli 2 has been floated since 2010, but all evidence seems to suggest the sequel may never happen. The conclusiveness of the ending was not only a heart-wrenching finale, but it also served the themes of the story. To continue the story would do a disservice, and completely undo what was built.
On the other hand, the prequel series might help to spark interest in the sequel, which could possibly explore other options besides continuing the story past the movie’s conclusion. For instance, The Book of Eli 2 could be another prequel to The Book of Eli that is set before the 2010 movie but happens after the prequel show. This could allow for a Mad Max-style approach where the adventures of Eli are shown out of sequence. If the prequel series scores big, anything is possible for the franchise’s future.
