A couple months back, there were rumblings of a film that chronicled the life of Mary Magdalene, the somewhat controversial Biblical figure who traveled with Jesus and the rest of his followers. Well, it looks like that film is currently underway, with Rooney Mara taking on the titular role of Mary Magdalene.

Deadline is now reporting, however, that three-time Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix is currently being eyed to play the role of Jesus in the film. The deal is still a ways off from being a sure thing, but given that they’ve locked down the likes of Rooney Mara, it seems there’s a good chance this may come to fruition.

The film is set to be directed by relative newcomer Garth Davis. However, if this deal with Phoenix goes through, it’ll definitely have the pedigree of a successful picture. Phoenix has always been an amazing talent, but within the past fifteen years or so, he’s definitely been recognized as something of a method actor.

From his work on the Johnny Cash flick WALK THE LINE, to the year-and-a-half he spent in character for the mockumentary I’M STILL HERE (which chronicled his supposed meltdown on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN), it’s become clear that Phoenix is willing to put in the hard work for a role. Should he become attached to the picture, not only would he put in the work necessary, but it will likely also raise the profile of the picture.

Of course, in today’s political climate, it’s also possible that the casting of both him and Mara will also raise a bit of a stink, as the figures they’ll be portraying are today largely accepted as not being white in skin color…but that’s an issue for another day.

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SOURCE: Deadline