In the September 2016 issue of the online publication, Faith Filled Family Magazine, producer/actor Randy LaHaye gave an interview where he offered many insights on the production and future of the Left Behind: Next Generation movie series. He explained how the Twilight series influenced his adaptation of Left Behind: The Kids: "While I was watching Twilight, God gave me the idea to use those kids books and take some points out of them. I would create a brand new, fresh, YA version of Left Behind so that it could really speak to today's kids." His grandfather, Tim LaHaye was able to see a screening of Vanished before his death where he responded positively: "One of the proudest moments of my life was when my grandfather saw the movie and told me afterwards, "Finally, there's a movie about Left Behind that captured what made the books so successful."" Randy also revealed that the working titles of the next two movies were "Rise of the Deceiver" and "The Rebellion Awakens". He stated that the first sequel was planned to begin filming in 2017.
Loosely based on the Left Behind: The Kids book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins consisting of a new storyline and new characters.
In an interview with The Sam and Jasmine Show podcast, Randy LaHaye suggested that his ideal plans would for there to be a total of seven films in the Left Behind: Next Generation series. The seventh and final film, depicting the Battle of Armageddon and Second Coming of Jesus Christ, would have a budget of $20 million dollars and be shot in 3D.
The Twilight Saga's influence on Vanished was so great that the film's social media campaign encouraged fans to vote "Team Josh" or "Team Flynn" concerning who should be Gabby's ultimate love interest.
In an interview with patheos.com, Randy LaHaye spoke about portraying Nicolae Carpathia. He revealed that he was initially considering playing the part of Pastor Bruce Barnes until co-producer Dave Alan Johnson suggested that he play the Antichrist instead. Nicolae's UN speech in the film was written by Randy himself and was heavily inspired by President Barack Obama's real life UN speeches. When asked why his portrayal of Nicolae doesn't have a Romanian accent, Randy explained that they have given the Antichrist the supernatural ability to cause those who listen to hear him in their own native language. This is the reason why Nicolae sounds American to the American characters in the film. This power is not directly brought up in Vanished, but will be an element explored in future sequels.
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