The script is based on on a stage play written in 1930 by Harry Segall. It tells the story of a National Football League quarterback who Due to a mistake, he dies prematurely. Ultimately, he returns to earth, but in a completely different form – his soul is placed in the body of a recently deceased millionaire. A man must cope not only with the difficulties of returning to his everyday life, but also with the problems of the person whose body he has taken over.
Segall's play has had several film adaptations. The most famous version is the movie “Heaven Can Wait” (1978, dir. B. Henry, W. Beatty). The film gained popularity in 1979 as many as 9 Oscar nominations, of which he won one – for best set design.
The story also inspired the filmmakers “A Brawl in the Afterlife” (1941), where the main character was a boxer. The comedy also had a similar plot “Get down to earth” from 2001depicting the fate of a comedian (played by Chris Rock).
The new version will probably not be updated. Although it is not known what profession the main character will receive, the interesting motif of a man dying prematurely will remain intact. The Oscar winner will be responsible for the script – Stephen Gaghan (“Traffic”, “Syriana”).
We can currently see Glen Powell on the big screen in a comedy “Hit Man” (2023) Richard Linklater. The actor will also star in Lee Isaac Chung's disaster film “Twisters”which will premiere in July this year.