Heaven Can Wait (1978)
A charming supernatural comedy about a football star mistakenly taken to heaven before his time, starring and co-directed by Warren Beatty.
Heaven Can Wait - Movie Information
- Original Title: Heaven Can Wait
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 28, 1978 (Finland - K-12), June 28, 1978 (United States - PG), September 7, 1978 (United Kingdom - PG), October 26, 1978 (Germany - 12), December 13, 1978 (France - TP), February 2, 1979 (Italy - T)
- Alternative Titles: Der Himmel soll warten (DE), 天国から来たチャンピオン (JP), Az ég tud várni (HU), O Céu Pode Esperar (BR), 천국의 사도 (KR)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Heaven Can Wait - Plot
Joe Pendleton is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the Superbowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An overanxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn't ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently-murdered millionaire is chosen. His wife and accountant—the murderers—are confused by this development, as he buys the L.A. Rams in order to once again quarterback them into the Superbowl.
Heaven Can Wait - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Joe Pendleton's heavenly mix-up unfold:
Joe Pendleton... the only guy who ever raised Hell about going to Heaven.
Where to Watch Heaven Can Wait
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Heaven Can Wait - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Warren Beatty
- Buck Henry
Main Cast
- Warren Beatty
- Julie Christie
- James Mason
- Jack Warden
- Charles Grodin
- Dyan Cannon
- Buck Henry
- Vincent Gardenia
- Joseph Maher
- Hamilton Camp
Writers
- Elaine May
- Warren Beatty
Producers
- Warren Beatty
Heaven Can Wait - FAQs
Is Heaven Can Wait a remake of an earlier film?
Yes. Heaven Can Wait (1978) is a remake of the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan, which was itself based on Harry Segall's stage play. The 1978 version updates the story, replacing the boxing premise with American football and the Super Bowl as the central sporting backdrop.
Where can you stream Heaven Can Wait?
Heaven Can Wait is available to stream on fuboTV, MGM+, Philo, and the MGM+ Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in Heaven Can Wait?
Warren Beatty leads the cast as quarterback Joe Pendleton. He is joined by Julie Christie as Betty Logan, James Mason as the celestial Mr. Jordan, Jack Warden as trainer Max Corkle, Charles Grodin as scheming accountant Tony Abbott, and Dyan Cannon as the conniving Julia Farnsworth.
Did Heaven Can Wait win any major awards?
Heaven Can Wait earned nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Warren Beatty. It won the Oscar for Best Art Direction. The film also received Golden Globe nominations and was a major critical and commercial success upon its 1978 release.
What is Heaven Can Wait about?
Joe Pendleton, an NFL quarterback on the cusp of the Super Bowl, is prematurely whisked to heaven by an overeager angel. Since his body has been cremated, he is placed in the body of a murdered millionaire. He then buys the L.A. Rams to fulfill his dream of playing in the Super Bowl.
What is the age rating for Heaven Can Wait?
Heaven Can Wait is rated PG by the MPA. The film contains mild comedic situations, light romantic content, and themes involving death and the afterlife, all handled with a gentle, family-friendly tone. It is broadly suitable for older children and adults alike.
How long is Heaven Can Wait?
Heaven Can Wait has a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes (101 minutes). The film moves at a brisk, light-hearted pace, balancing its supernatural fantasy premise with romantic comedy and sports drama elements across its compact running time.
Who directed Heaven Can Wait?
Heaven Can Wait was co-directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. Beatty, who also starred in and produced the film, brought in Henry as co-director. The screenplay was written by Elaine May and Warren Beatty, adapting the earlier Here Comes Mr. Jordan story for a contemporary American football setting.
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