A new film about the life and death of Jesus Christ is to go into production this July for release around Easter 2011, reports Variety. Producer Bill McKay told the trade paper that The Resurrection of the Christ, budgeted at $20m, was "as much about the key players as it is about Jesus". He added: "We want to bring in the 'Gladiator' dimension of the first century against the political milieu of the time."
This film closely follows the biblical narratives of the resurrection of Jesus and the miraculous events that followed. The story unfolds through a deeper understanding of the characters, primarily Peter and Paul, and the personal struggles and circumstances they faced while embracing the new teaching of salvation through faith and love.
The story opens with Joseph of Arimathea going to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body for burial. After the burial angles come and open the tomb to free Jesus from the grave and begin the process of restoring faith and revealing the sacred mysteries foretold by the prophets.
After showing himself to the apostles he commands them to stay in Jerusalem until they are given the powers from God to perform miracles of healing, raising people from the dead, speaking in foreign languages, and other powerful works to validate that God is with them.
After receiving power Peter and the others begin to boldly proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah and are tested by enduring extreme persecution and resistance from the established leaders and temple priest.
The second half of the film follows the many adventures of Paul and his hard work and dedication to God as he deeply touches the lives of others while he spreads the good news of the gospel to the world beyond Israel.
Release Date: Easter 2011
