Faith-based films are attracting some increasingly recognizable Hollywood names, and Angel Studios’ upcoming Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ is assembling an especially notable cast.
Sam Worthington, Gael García Bernal and Ben Mendelsohn join Deva Cassel, Jamie Ward and an almost unrecognizable Jim Caviezel in the biblical epic, which arrives in theaters December 11.
The casting of Caviezel comes with an interesting bit of irony. After famously portraying Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, the actor is now stepping into the role of Herod, the ruler whose fear over the birth of Christ leads to the slaughter of the innocents.
Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ takes place against an empire in decay as a star rises over Bethlehem. When Christ is born, Herod becomes consumed by fear, forcing Mary to protect the child promised to save the world as violence spreads around them.
The film's cast reflects how faith-based productions are drawing established Hollywood talent alongside rising stars, giving biblical stories some serious marquee power.
Monteverde co-wrote the film with Leo Severino and Rod Barr. Severino and Eduardo Verastegui serve as producers.
Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ opens in theaters December 11.