Camilla Belle (’10,000 BC’, Push) was chosen for the coveted role. The film also stars Academy Award winner Al Pacino (The Godfather, Scarface) as Herod, Golden Globe winner Peter O’Toole (Lawrence of Arabia) as Symeon, Wentworth Miller (Prison Break, Underworld) as Gabriel / Lucifer, Julia Ormand (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Diogo Morgado as Joseph. “This is not a Christmas movie,” says producer Mary Aloe (Battle in Seattle, Numb, The Princess and the Marine). “This is a part of Mary’s life that has never been shown on the big screen before. It takes us through Mary’s youth, young love, her life as a new mother, and the triumph through the absolute terror of Herod the Great’s reign. It is truly a story of real female empowerment.”
Key members of the creative team from The Passion of the Christ come together, including the writer, technical script advisor, costume designer, PR and marketing team. The picture is directed by award winning director James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, Perfect Stranger). Carla Hool (Apocalypto, Man on Fire) and associates have been at the helm of casting. Other producers are executive producers Mauricio Sanchez, James Volk, and Alfred Zaccagnino (Keeper of the Pinstripes). Aloe’s production partner is Dune Films (Hildago, Prince of Persia, Babel) in Morocco where the film starts principal photography in May.
The film will be distributed in 2,000 plus theaters with a 2011 release date. “We are looking forward to releasing a film that will lift spirits and inspire,” commented Erik Lomis, Executive Vice President International Theatrical and Home Video, MGM.
