Ragsdale Found For "Left Behind"

William Ragsdale (the original Fright Night) has been cast in the first film in a proposed new trilogy of motion pictures based on Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins's Christian-themed "Left Behind" novel series according to a posting on Facebook.

The sixteen book series is set in the aftermath of The Rapture, the Christian event in which that religion's true believers are transported to heaven. What remains of the world is shattered and chaotic, and from these ashes rises a Romanian politician promising to restore stability - a politician who is actually the Antichrist.

Nicolas Cage is set to star for legendary stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong who is going to direct.

High School Musical film series co-star Ashley Tisdale will play Chloe Steele, daughter of Cage's Ray Steele character. Chloe wanders America looking to find any remaining members of her family.

Chad Michael Murray will play journalist Cameron “Buck” Williams in the movie.

Ragsdale will play Chris Smith, the copilot of Steele.

Three faith-based films in the series were released between 2000 and 2005--Starring Kirk Cameron. Made for just $4 million each, the films had initial bursts of business but in the end were both critical and financial flops, since even its fan base had issues with the films since they veered away from the book's plots.

This version increases the budget to $15 million and is expected to be more along the lines of a classic disaster film with the action following survivors in the hours after The Rapture.

Paul Lalonde will produce the action thriller with Michael Walker, and co-write the script with John Patus, who worked on the final entry 2005s Left Behind: World at War.