AceShowbiz - Baz Luhrmann is embarking on a fresh cinematic journey with Jehanne d'Arc, an epic historical drama centered on the life of the French heroine Joan of Arc. The director recently revealed a pivotal line from the film’s script, offering a glimpse into the thematic heart of the project.

Joan of Arc is a celebrated historical figure, known as a French peasant girl who, inspired by divine visions, led armies to critical victories during the Hundred Years' War at just 17 years old. Her military successes were instrumental in securing the coronation of King Charles VII. Tragically, Joan was captured, tried as a heretic by the English, and executed by burning at the stake at age 19. In a posthumous trial held 25 years later, her name was cleared, and the Catholic Church canonized her as a saint in 1920. She continues to be honored as a national hero of France.

In a detailed interview with ScreenRant’s Todd Gilchrist, Luhrmann discussed how he plans to bring this intense and turbulent period to life. He addressed the challenge of depicting the gritty and chaotic reality of 15th-century warfare.

When asked how his filmmaking style will translate to the brutal historical context, Luhrmann responded, "I'm finding that. Right now, I'm in the middle of all that, but the bigger issue is why I'm choosing that subject, because I have so many ideas I want to do. But there are things I want to do, but then things I have to do, I think that are needed." He elaborated on the relevance of Joan’s story by saying, "In a world that is so stuck in this echo chamber... like The 100-Year War was basically a bunch of old dudes going, 'It's good for business to keep the war going.' And then this 17-year-old girl comes along, and she uplifts another young guy who happened to be the king ... It's about youth, generational change, and about smashing the wall between the haves and the have-nots."

Luhrmann has a history of modernizing classical stories for today’s audiences, as demonstrated in his 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

During the conversation, Luhrmann also shared a crucial line from the screenplay: "Gentle Dauphin, we've got to peel this world away from the knobbly old hands of these old men." This line encapsulates the film’s focus on Joan’s challenge against entrenched power structures.

The role of Joan of Arc will be played by Isla Johnston, an emerging talent best known for portraying a young Beth Harmon in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit.

Currently, Luhrmann is celebrating the success of his recent film, Elvis, starring Austin Butler. Additionally, he is preparing to release EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert in 250 IMAX theaters, providing fans with another immersive experience related to the iconic musician and the filmmaker’s work.

Although Jehanne d'Arc does not yet have an official release date, it is anticipated to debut in 2027. Filming is expected to commence this year, marking the next chapter in Luhrmann’s diverse and ambitious career.