Mary is an upcoming epic biblical film directed by D. J. Caruso. It stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, and Anthony Hopkins. It will be released on Netflix on 6 December 2024.
| Mary | |
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 Netflix poster | |
| Directed by | D. J. Caruso |
| Written by | Timothy Michael Hayes |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Gavin Struthers |
| Edited by | Jim Page |
| Music by | Timothy Williams |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Premise
editMary (Cohen), a young Jewish girl who lives in Nazareth with her parents, Anne (Vidor) and Joachim (Pfeffer), is presented at the temple in preparation for her marriage to Joseph (Tako). Following the incarnation and birth of Jesus, Mary is forced into hiding. When Herod the Great (Hopkins) orders the Massacre of the Innocents, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with Jesus.
Cast
edit- Noa Cohen as Mary
- Mila Harris as young Mary
- Ido Tako as Joseph
- Anthony Hopkins as King Herod
- Stephanie Nur as Salome
- Susan Brown as Anna the Prophetess
- Ori Pfeffer as Joachim
- Eamon Farren as Satan
- Hilla Vidor as Anne
- Mili Avital as Mariamne
- Gudmundur Thorvaldsson as Marcellus
- Dudley O'Shaughnessy as Gabriel
- Keren Tzur as Elizabeth
- Mehmet Kurtuluş as Baba ben Buta
- Milo Djurovic as Malachi
- Soufiane El Khalidy as a frustrated pilgrim
Production
editDevelopment
editTimothy Michael Hayes wrote the original screenplay in 2020 after consulting with various Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious leaders and scholars.[1] The script underwent 74 drafts before finalization.[2] Bishop David G. O'Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, served as director D. J. Caruso's spiritual advisor on the film.[3] Pastor Joel Osteen served as an executive producer.[4]
Casting
editAround 75 women auditioned for the role of Mary before newcomer Noa Cohen was chosen. Caruso stated, "It was important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be selected from Israel to ensure authenticity."[5] The decision to cast Israeli actors over Palestinian actors was later met with backlash on social media.[6][7]
Filming
editFilming took place in Morocco and was completed by April 2024.[1][8]
Release
editNetflix acquired the film for distribution in September 2024.[9] Promotional stills were released on 15 October 2024, and the trailer was released on 12 November 2024.[4][10] The film will be released on 6 December 2024.[5][11]
References
edit- ^ a b Wiseman, Andreas (10 April 2024). "Anthony Hopkins To Play King Herod Alongside Newcomer Noa Cohen In Biblical Thriller 'Mary'". Deadline. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
- ^ Klett, Leah MarieAnn (15 October 2024). "First look: Biblical epic 'Mary' with Anthony Hopkins, executive produced by Joel Osteen, to hit Netflix". The Christian Post. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Klett, Leah MarieAnn (12 November 2024). "Netflix releases trailer for biblical epic 'Mary': 'An origin story of Christianity'". The Christian Post. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ a b Zilko, Christian (12 November 2024). "'Mary' Trailer: Anthony Hopkins' King Herod Is Determined to Capture Jesus in Netflix's Faith-Based Film". IndieWire. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ a b Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (15 October 2024). "The mother of Jesus Christ goes on the run in 'Mary' first-look photos". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ Aouir, Reem (14 November 2024). "Netflix faces backlash for casting Israeli actors in upcoming biblical film Mary". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ Garfinkel, Imogen (14 November 2024). "Social media outrage after Israeli Jew cast as Jesus' mother in Netflix biblical epic". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ Sharpe, Josh (10 April 2024). "Anthony Hopkins Will Play Villain King Herod in Upcoming Biblical Thriller MARY". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ Stephan, Katcy (24 September 2024). "Biblical Epic 'Mary' With Anthony Hopkins Acquired By Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
- ^ Sudario, Erielle (15 October 2024). "Mary of Nazareth Becomes the Star of Her Own Film in 'Mary' First Look Images". Collider. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ Truitt, Brian (12 November 2024). "'Mary': See the exclusive first trailer for Netflix's faith-based thriller". USA Today. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
