As Hugh Jackman begins saying goodbye to Wolverine, he”s got his next project lined up. The Aussie actor will star in “Apostle Paul,” a Warner Bros. movie based on the life of the Jewish man who followed Jesus, spread Christ”s message around the Mediterranean and is attributed with writing letters that became 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Deadline originally reported the news.
Also involved in the project are two other A-listers: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. They”ll produce, as will Jackman. The screenplay comes from Matt Cook, who penned the upcoming “By Way of Helena” and “Triple 9.”
Damon and Affleck of course are buddies and have worked together many times with their production company Pearl Street Films and in movies like “Good Will Hunting.” Perhaps their new producing partner here caught their attention when Jackman gave Affleck a big vote of confidence following the Batman casting news.
It”ll be interesting to see if Jackman”s huge “X-Men” fan base follows him to a Bible-inspired movie. I”m also curious what attracted Jackman, Damon and Affleck to the project. Actors like Jim Caviezel in “Passion of Christ” and, most recently, Mira Sorvino in “Do You Believe?” were motivated by their own faith to get involved in faith-related projects. But something else about Paul”s story could be drawing this trio of big-name actors to the film. Jackman once told the Daily Mail that “the Christian religion didn”t really click with me – it left too many questions unanswered.” The School of Practical Philosophy has supplied more answers for him since he turned to the organization 23 years ago, reports Parade.
Warner Bros. is developing “Apostle Paul” following the recent box office success of such faith-based films as “Son of God,” “Heaven is for Real” and “God”s Not Dead.”