Tahar Rahim is in talks to play Judas Iscariot in the Weinstein Company and See Saw Pictures’ “Mary Magdalene.”
Rooney Mara is set to star in the title role with Joaquin Phoenix playing Jesus Christ. Variety reported in July that Chiwetel Ejiofor was in talks to play Peter the Apostle.
Garth Davis will direct from a script by Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett. Production is set to begin later this summer for a 2017 release.
See Saw’s Iain Canning and Emile Sherman will produce along with Liz Watts, who produces through her Porchlight Films. Film4 is co-developing the project with See Saw.
Judas was one of the 12 apostles and his betrayal of Jesus by a kiss in exchange for 30 silver coins has made his name synonymous with treason. Judas is believed to have hung himself in remorse.
Rahim broke out in Jacques Audiard’s 2009 crime-drama “A Prophet” and starred recently in Sky Atlantic’s TV series “The Last Panthers.” He is repped by Agence Adequat and UTA.
