Fox is continuing to try and expand its presence with the comic book TV show genre as they picked up the pilot for Lucifer before, based on the DC Comics/Vertigo series of the same name from several years ago. The project has the creator and executive producer of Californication Tom Kapinos, set to serve on it with Warner Bros. TV and DC Entertainment. Now that things are moving forward with a number of pilots going to filming, casting is getting underway. Lucifer has picked up its lead actor with Tom Ellis, who was seen in Rush previously. It’s also been revealed that Len Wiseman will be directing the pilot.
The character in the DC Comics world is one that began in the Vertigo series Sandman, which is in line for a theatrical adaptation itself, and it also launched into a 75 issue series of its own back in 2000 through 2006, which was written by Mike Carey.
As we said back in September, it’s a surprising project to pick considering the material itself and for one of the big TV networks. Most consider the show more geared towards cable at best and pay services like HBO as where it really belongs, though with some careful rewording and renaming of certain aspects, it could work well enough.
Plot concept: Lucifer Morningstar, the former Lord of Hell, is unexpectedly called back into action when he receives a mission from Heaven. Given free reign to use any means necessary, Lucifer is promised a prize of his own choosing if he fulfills this holy request. But once he completes his mission, the Prince of Darkness’ demand shakes the foundation of Heaven and Hell. Now as his enemies unite to stop his reemergence, Lucifer gathers his forces as he prepares to launch his new revolution.
[Source: Variety]