By Travis Johnson
Australian Producer Liz Watts (Animal Kingdom, The Rover, Little Fish) and See-Saw Films (which includes Australian Emile Sherman, and who were behind the Oscar winner The King’s Speech) are partnering up to produce a movie about Biblical figure Mary Magdalene, to be directed by Garth Davis (Top of the Lake, Lion) from a script by Helen Edmundson & Philippa Goslett (How to Talk to Girls at Parties). The project was co-developed by Film4.
Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) is currently attached to play the central figure, with Joaquin Phoenix (Her, Walk the Line) in line for Jesus. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) will play Peter with Tahar Rahim as Judas. The film is set for a European shoot later this year.
The film is described as “…an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history. Set in the Holy Land in the first century, the film is the story of a young woman who leaves her small fishing village and family behind to join a new movement. Inspired by its charismatic leader, Jesus of Nazareth, and his teachings, Mary sets out with the disciples on the journey to Jerusalem, where she finds herself at the heart of the founding story of Christianity.”
“It’s a great privilege to be a part of bringing the amazing and timely story of Mary Magdalene to the big screen,” Watts noted. “I am thrilled to be working with such an extraordinary cast and director Garth Davis, whose talent and work I’ve admired for years.”
Iain Canning of See-Saw added, “We are delighted to be working with Liz on Mary Magdalene. She has the perfect mix of creative sensibility and production experience. Liz’s credits speak for themselves and we look forward to working with her on this unique project.”
