Camilla Belle Going Biblical With Al Pacino?
Filed under: Drama, Casting, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Religious
I scanned this Variety article in vain, looking for some mention that Cecil B. DeMille had arisen from the grave purely to revive bombastic Biblical epics. But no. Nor is it April 1, so this has to be legitimate, as unlikely as it seems.Apparently, Aloe Films is producing a film called Mary, Mother of Christ with Camilla Belle in the title role. But it's the rest of the cast and characters that sends this into truly "Whoa, really?" land. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is signed to play the duel roles of Gabriel and Lucifer, while Peter O'Toole will be playing Symeon. Currently in talks to join in are Al Pacino and Jessica Lange, who are interested in playing King Herod and Anna the Prophetess.
Start to think that over in your mind -- the crazy eyed Rhys Meyers as archangel and devil, and Al Pacino as King Herod. That's like John Wayne /Greatest Story Ever Told territory, and will either end up cinematic gold or mocked on YouTube.
The film will be helmed not by a resurrected DeMille, but by Alejandro Agresti, and it's currently aiming for a April 2, 2010 release which will coincide with Good Friday, making it one of those event films on par with The Passion of the Christ or The Nativity Story.
I don't mean to sound snarky at all, though I wince at the political and religious frenzy that seems to surround such releases. I'm merely surprised at the level of talent that's attached to this, yet it warranted such a whispery mention in Variety -- it's almost like they can't quite believe it either.
Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams Reunite for 'Mission Impossible 4'
'Big Top Pee-Wee': The Original Benicio Del Toro Wolfman
Spin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9
Watch This: Brilliant Oscar-Nominated Short 'Logorama'
Chris Nolan to Lead 'Superman' Reboot!?
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-07-2009 @ 9:22AM
Cincinnati Mike said...
Has DeMille risen from the dead?
Is it April Fools'?
Whoa, really?
John Wayne/Greatest Story Ever Told territory!
....but I don't mean to sound snarky at all.
Reply
2-07-2009 @ 11:57AM
Charles said...
Hollywood rubbish. Complete waste of money.
The talent and money being invested into this film is honestly, a tad psychotic.
Reply
2-07-2009 @ 12:26PM
Beanie said...
You know, it's been a while since there's been a big religious protestin party of a movie they've never seen. Reminds me of "The Last Temptation of Christ". Man, I lived in Florida during all of that, some crazy people.
Reply
2-07-2009 @ 5:38PM
Batzarro said...
Oooooo...kay? That sounds interesting.
Reply
2-08-2009 @ 6:01PM
Gina said...
Pfft. "Variety" is so behind the times. :-) Screenwriter Barbara Nicolosi has been talking about this on her blog for ages. And she's a devout Catholic, so protests are very unlikely.
Reply