With cast members and a director locked in, the Biblical epic, Mary, Mother of Christ, is nearing a production start later this year in Morocco. The feature film is unapologetically described as a “prequel” to Mel Gibson’s 2004 mega-hit indie, The Passion of the Christ.
Aloe Entertainment, alongside distributer MGM, officially unveiled the project in Berlin at the European Film Market this week.
Camilla Belle (Push) will play the role of Mary. Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) has signed on for the double-role of Gabriel and Lucifer, with screen legend Peter O’Toole in the part of Symeon.
Argentinean director Alejandro Agresti (The Lake House) will helm the project, while rumors are circulating that Al Pacino and Jessica Lange are being sought for the roles of Herod and Anna the Prophetess.
Producer Mary Aloe spoke with MovieSet last November, confirming Mel Gibson is not attached to the film, but the project will reunite The Passion’s production designer, as well as the executive and line producers. Aloe also is in talks with the costume designer and art director. But it’s the signing of The Passion’s screenwriter, Benedict Fitzgerald, that Aloe hopes will appeal to Christian moviegoers.
“It’s predecessor is the biggest selling independent movie in the history of independent filmmaking. So we are indeed building a beautifully crafted production, bringing in the right people behind and in front of the scenes.”
The story follows the life of Mary from childhood through to the birth of Jesus. Told from Mary’s unique perspective, the script follows her and the family’s return to Galilee after the death of Herod. The story takes shape as Mary begins to comprehend her and her child’s purpose in life.
“This is really Mary’s story,” Aloe said. “She is such a renowned figure who represents so much to people around the world. This is a project that we hope will defy any type of demographics.”
Critics often attributed The Passion’s success less to its spiritual themes, and more to the marketing of its graphic, even excessive, bloodshed. Aloe said that while the figure of Mary is recognized universally for her nurturing qualities, her story, like The Passion, will also reflect the violent landscape of her time. The producer will not reveal many details on what temper of violence audiences can expect, except to say that Christian, Muslim and Jewish scholars have endorsed the script as one that reflects commonly accepted historical truths.
“Mary’s story is one of strength and commitment, but it’s not all happy and joyous,” Aloe said. “It’s not just one beautiful ethereal prayer.
“If you read the Bible, and you understand the journey, then you would understand that — unfortunately — where there is love and where there is commitment and where there is triumph, there is often sacrifice and violence.”
While The Passion of the Christ used languages only of the time – Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew — Aloe refused to reveal what language will be used for Mary, Mother of Christ.
The film is planned to shoot in Morocco later this year. MGM acquired the North American distribution rights for a 2010 release.
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