Biblical epics seem all the rage at the moment, with Ridley Scott filming Exodus and Darren Aronofsky working on Noah. It was only a matter of time before somebody turned their attention to Jesus, and it turns out that somebody is Kevin Reynolds, who will be directing **Resurrection, about the 40 days following the crucifixion.
In what sounds like an interesting take on the material, the story is structured as a mystery, with a Roman centurion appointed by Pontius Pilate to investigate reports of the disappearance of Jesus' body. Initially sceptical about any supernatural goings on, he's gradually convinced as he encounters the Apostles and other familiar characters, in the shadow of threatened uprisings in Jerusalem.
LD Entertainment is producing and financing the film, which CEO Mickey Liddell says will have a Gladiator vibe. Reynolds most recently directed the miniseries The Hatfields And The McCoys, which reunited him with his Waterworld and Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves star Kevin Costner. He also previously made The Count Of Monte Cristo, Tristan & Isolde, and the strange Easter Island adventure Rapa Nui, so knows his way around a historical drama.
"As Resurrection is a high priority for us, we are very excited to be working with such a bold and talented director as Kevin,” Liddell said. “His passion for the project and pedigree of beautifully directed films is ideal."
The director is currently taking a final pass at Paul Aiello's screenplay, and **Resurrection **is pencilled in for an Easter release in 2015.