The creative trifecta of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Hugh Jackman might not muster the image of a “faith-based project” in your mind’s eye, but that’s exactly what’s happening, as Deadline reports the trio are bandying together to develop Apostle Paul for Warner Bros. Damon and Affleck will produce with Jennifer Todd under their Pearl Street Films banner, along with project lynchpin Chris Clarke and Jackman. Work on the screenplay is being carried out by Matt Cook (Triple Nine, By Way Of Helena).
The religious picture is based on the life of the Apostle Paul. A Jewish man who converted to Christianity after a visit from God, he went on to allegedly write 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament. In light of several Christian-centric movies hitting the big screen in the last few years, this emerging trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Which in itself is interesting, considering the poor box office receipts this specific type of movie collects.
Regardless of flimflam like Nic Cage-starrer Left Behind, Warner is pushing forward with this faith-centric offering. With Deadline’s sole descriptor of the movie alluding to faith, there’s no indication as to whether or not Apostle Paul will in fact be a dramatic piece or something akin to Noah or Exodus: Gods And Kings, where the Bible is cited as a vague reference to further action-packed, bloodthirsty battles.
We’ll keep you posted when concrete details emerge on the style of the movie, and on any additional notes concerning a director or supporting cast members come to light.
