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EXCLUSIVE: Sound of Freedom and Cabrini filmmaker Alejandro Monteverde will reteam for a third time with Angel Studios on the epic Bethlehem which follows the origin story of Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.
In the movie, which is currently shooting in Morocco and eyeing a 2025 theatrical release, Mary will do anything to protect her newborn son from the murderous King Herod, who is obsessed with finding and killing the child. The film will reimagine one of the most famed Biblical stories: Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem – as a profound spiritual thriller.
Avatar franchise star Sam Worthington is playing Herod’s son Antipater, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story‘s Ben Mendelsohn is portraying the devil Nahash, Mozart in the Jungle‘s Gael García Bernal is Joachim, and the project will introduce Deva Cassel in the role of Mary.
For creative reasons, the producers are maintaining the mystery of who is playing King Herrod, as the actor is virtually unrecognizable in the role.
Below is another exclusive photo from the set.
“When I first met Alejandro and experienced his passion for filmmaking, I felt like I had just encountered the next Frank Capra,” says Jordan Harmon, President of Angel Studios. “His approach to sharing stories is always unique, accessible, and powerful. I am thrilled to experience firsthand how he is bringing the story of Mary to life. We are honored to share his art and his passion for filmmaking with the world.”
Bethlehem is produced by Leo Severino and Eduardo Verasteugi, and will again pair Monteverde with Screenwriter Rod Barr, Cinematographer Gorka Gomez Andreu and Production Designer Carlos Lagunas. The project is executive produced by Gary Hamilton and Noli Molla.
Monteverde’s Sound of Freedom was a surprise summer 2023 hit, grossing $250M at the global box office in its true-life tale of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. The pic received a rare A+ CinemaScore and 99% Popcorn meter on Rotten Tomatoes. Cabrini received an A CinemaScore and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 90% critics score and a 98% Popcorn meter.
Monteverde is represented by WME. Worthington is repped by WME, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox. Bernal is repped by WME, Ithaka Media and Hansen, etc. Mendelsohn is repped by United Management and WME.
