As Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice blows up the box office, the latest in a string of massively popular superhero flicks, a beloved faith-friendly favorite will kick off a brand new cinematic universe.

The creators of the popular 1990s/early 2000s direct-to-video series, Bibleman, have reunited, and early production has begun for a brand new film starring the evangelical superhero. 

Bibleman Reemerges, which is scheduled for a May 12, 2017 theatrical release, is not just a reboot of the Sword of the Spirit-wielding crusader; it's the creation of an entirely new film genre: Faith-based Superheroes.

"Bibleman gave a generation of Christian kids a hero to look up to," said Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of Bibleman Reemerges. "In an age of superheroes, we're excited to bring him back with today's technology and the timeless message he brings."

The original Bibleman, Eight is Enough and Charles in Charge actor Willie Aames, will not don the Bibleman costume, but he will reprise his role as Miles Peterson--serving as more of a trusted mentor to the new Bibleman, played by rapper Nate "NF" Feuerstein in his big-screen acting debut. 

"I've always wanted to be a superhero," NF told reporters at a BiblemanCon--the annual convention for all things Bibleman--earlier this year. "I think it's a natural extension of the image and message I've been putting forward as an artist."

According to the film's official website, the plot follows Ricky Young (Feuerstein), a troubled teen, as he considers joining a gang and sells drugs on the streets. A sting operation by police lands the teen in jail, where community volunteer Miles Peterson (Aames) is assigned to mentor him. Peterson eventually shares with him the power of Bibleman, just in time to face down a vile new threat--a Supreme Court that has been replaced with atheist robots bent on replacing the motto "In God We Trust" with "We Trust Nothing."  

The film is reportedly just the first in a developing Bibleman Cinematic Universe, where additional heroes, villains and themes will be introduced, the studio reported. Depending on the success of Bibleman Reemerges, there are several other films being planned, including a standalone film for Bibleman's sidekick, Coats.

"It's clear there's a strong demand for superhero films and faith friendly entertainment," said Burnett. "And we've got the best of both, plus some pretty killer special effects, lots of fire, and timely content."

And to top it off, NF is contracted to provide several songs for the soundtrack, including the recently leaked single, "Depths of Despair (Swing That Sword Fool)."

In case you needed a refresher on Bibleman...

 

ADVERTISEMENT