Martin Scorsese set to direct 80-minute ‘Jesus’ movie later this year
Director Martin Scorsese is to start filming his next feature later this year, which will focus on the teachings of Jesus. The screenplay for the upcoming movie has already been finished.
Earlier this year, Scorsese delivered one of his lengthiest films yet with Killers of the Flower Moon, which boasts a runtime of almost three-and-a-half hours. However, the filmmaker expects his upcoming project to be over two hours shorter, anticipating a runtime of just 80 minutes.
Scorsese shared details of the new movie during a conversation with the LA Times, noting that the film will be primarily set in modern times. It will look to share the teachings of Jesus in an accessible way without aiming to convert audiences.
It has been over three decades since Scorsese last adapted Jesus to screen. He previously worked alongside Paul Schrader to create The Last Temptation of Christ in 1988. The film starred Willem Dafoe as the religious leader.
Speaking about his goals for the new film, the director shared, “I’m trying to find a new way to make it more accessible and take away the negative onus of what has been associated with organized religion.”
Scorsese continued: “Right now, ‘religion,’ you say that word and everyone is up in arms because it’s failed in so many ways. But that doesn’t mean necessarily that the initial impulse was wrong. Let’s get back. Let’s just think about it. You may reject it. But it might make a difference in how you live your life – even in rejecting it. Don’t dismiss it offhand. That’s all I’m talking about.”
The director has worked with Kent Jones to create the new screenplay, but he is yet to reveal any potential casting decisions.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.