Chiwetel Ejiofor is in talks to play Peter the Apostle in “Mary Magdalene,” the Weinstein Company and See Saw Pictures productions, which will star Rooney Mara in the title role, and Joaquin Phoenix playing Jesus Christ.
According to the New Testament, Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, chosen by Jesus from his first disciples. Originally a fisherman, he played a leadership role as a disciple, and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration, as part of Jesus’ inner circle. According to the gospels, Peter thrice denied Jesus and wept bitterly once he realized his deed.
He was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar.
Garth Davis is attached to direct the film from a script penned by Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett.
Production is set to begin this summer for a 2017 release.
The busy Ejiofor will next be seen in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange.”
The news of his being “in talks” to play Peter in “mary Magdalene” was first reported by Deadline.