Martin Scorsese reveals plans for new Jesus film

As Martin Scorsese basks in acclaim for his latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, the esteemed director is already offering a glimpse into his next potential project. In a recent interview with The Los Angeles TimesScorsese has revealed plans for a new religious film based on Shūsaku Endō’s book, A life of Jesus.

“I’m trying to find a new way to make it more accessible and take away the negative weight of what has been associated with organized religion,” Scorsese explained. The 80-year-old director insisted on revisiting the original impulse of religion without rejecting it entirely.

He continued: “Let’s go back. Let’s think about it. You can reject it. But it can make a difference in how you live your life — even in rejecting it. Don’t dismiss it out of hand. That’s all I’m talking about. And I say this as a person who will be 81 in a few days.”

Unlike his previous ventures into religious cinema with the 1988 release,The Last Temptation of Christ, Scorsese envisions this film to take place primarily in the present day, aiming for a timeless quality rather than being limited to a specific era. Clocking in at around 80 minutes, the upcoming film will be a significant departure from the nearly three and a half hours of Flower moon.

According The LA Times, Scorsese will delve into the fundamental teachings of Jesus without engaging in “proselytism.” Although little is known yet about the plot and casting, fans can expect the project to pick up speed, due to the writer’s irrepressible spirit. Working with critic and director Kent Jones, Scorsese has completed the script and plans to begin shooting the film later this year.

As the cinematographer jumps from Flower moon in this new passion project, the fate of another film under the maestro hangs in the balance. Based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, The bet announced by Apple Original Films in July 2022, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, production has yet to begin.

The decision to put it on hold The bet was made public in October, due to Scorsese’s commitment to dealing with the post-writer’s strike landscape and ensuring the success of his latest cinematic offering. In conversation with IndieWirethe director announced a short break.

“First of all, the thing is now that the writer’s strike is over, and because I have so much to get out there and spread the word Killers of the Flower Moon, let me take a break,” Scorsese admitted. “We’ll start working with writers and see if we can get it on the page. And maybe it’s something I could co-direct, so to speak. It will be difficult. But there are ways now, with some technical things we could do, to make it bearable. Depending on how we put the script together.”

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