Fox is reportedly developing a series based on the life of Jesus from age 13 to 30.
The show, called “Nazareth”, is one of a series of Biblical related programs that are being placed into production after the success of the “The Bible” miniseries and the movie releases “Son of God”, “God’s Not Dead” and “Heaven Is For Real.”
David Franzoni, who helped produce “Gladiator and Amistad”, is developing “Nazareth”. The show is the first in a production deal that Landscape Entertainment signed with Fox to create and develop event programming.
Lifetime Network has been developing a series called “The One” about Jesus growing up and realizing he is the Son of God. NBC is in production for “A.D.: Beyond the Bible”, a sequel to the Bible miniseries. National Geographic is working on “Killing Jesus”, a mini-series based on the book by Bill O’Reilly.
Deadspin is reporting that WGN America is considering production of a 10-part mini-series based on the Ten Commandments.
Hollywood insiders have said that the upcoming “Son of God” movie has sold more than 500,000 tickets in advance of Friday’s opening in theaters.
In some cities entire multiplexes have been bought out to show nothing else but “Son of God.”
The Hollywood Reporter reports that because the movie is based on the extremely successful mini-series “The Bible” that the film has the major advantage of not being a religious film with any controversy surrounding it. The lack of controversy is expected to be a major boost to ticket sales.
Some Hollywood observers believe it’s possible the film could surpass 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” which earned more than $612 million worldwide. However, because of the lack of controversy surrounding the film, it might have a smaller opening weekend than the Mel Gibson film.
Producer Mark Burnett told The Hollywood Reporter that the film is meant to be seen in communities and groups.
One of the greatest things about being on the air is the opportunity we have to bring you exceptional guests. On a recent broadcast, we had the privilege of hosting Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel) and Mark Burnett (Producer of The Voice, Survivor, and many others) when they came to tell us about their new movie, SON OF GOD. Our family had a chance to preview this amazing film with Roma and Mark and I have to say that I have never seen a more beautiful depiction of the life of Christ in such a sweeping, epic production. We were awestruck and captivated as we watched. The impact of this amazing film cannot be overstated. This larger-than-life movie portrays the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in the New Testament featuring powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score from Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
It’s not often that I’m starstruck, but I can truly say that having Roma Downey and Mark Burnett on the show was one of the all-time highlights of my life. These are warm and loving people, relatable in every way. Even so, when I first met them, I was like a nervous school kid! But they were quick to put all of us at ease and we had a great time talking about the Lord and their new movie. Continue reading →
Actress Roma Downey is calling her new movie Son of God an “epic, sweeping” reminder to the world of God’s love.
Downey and her husband, revolutionary Hollywood producer Mark Burnett, have produced the Bible epic scheduled to be released in theaters on February 28th.
“We hope the audiences leave theatres feeling they know Jesus more and also they are reminded of how deeply he loved us,” Downey said. “This is a big, epic sweeping film. An exciting movie and sometimes a tense movie with intense drama and real danger.”
Downey and Burnett shocked Hollywood observers with their miniseries “The Bible” which had 13.1 million viewers for its premiere. The sequel to “The Bible,” titled “A.D.” and will follow the events immediately after Jesus’ ascension, has been given the green light by NBC.
Downey and Burnett credit their Hollywood success for opening doors to produce movies about their faith.
“It all comes back to people in the industry realizing that we know what we’re doing and allowing us to make this show and now our movie about our faith,” Burnett said.
