The 'Irrational Man' star is in talks to portray the holy figure opposite Rooney Mara, though there's still a chance that his schedule won't allow it to happen.
- Apr 23, 2016
AceShowbiz - Joaquin Phoenix could be the next actor to portray Jesus Christ. The Oscar-nominated actor is in early talks to play the holy figure in Garth Davis' "Mary Magdalene", opposite Rooney Mara who's already attached to portray the titular role.
Written by Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett, the biopic is said to be an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history. Western Christianity labeled Mary a prostitute, though none of the four Gospels mentioned that in text. She traveled with Jesus as one of his followers after He saved her from execution.
According to THR's sources, the deal with Phoenix could still fall apart especially when there's scheduling issues. Production of "Mary Magdalene" is set to begin this summer for an anticipated release in 2017. Phoenix is set to star next in Casey Affleck's "Far Bright Star".
A number of actors have portrayed Jesus on screen in the past including Christian Bale ("Mary, Mother of Jesus"), Claude Heater ("Ben-Hur"), Max von Sydow ("The Greatest Story Ever Told") and Willem Dafoe ("The Last Temptation of Christ"). However, this would be Phoenix's first time, albeit his most questionable role.
The actor has been outspoken about his atheist belief in the past, telling Nylon Guys magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in god. I don't believe in an afterlife. I don't believe in soul. I don't believe in anything. I think it's totally right for people to have their own beliefs if it makes them happy, but to me it's a pretty preposterous idea."
