Chiwetel Ejiofor in DANCING ON THE EDGE / BBC

In 2014, Jeffrey Wright was said to in talks to play renowned Tulsa, OK evangelical minister Carlton Pearson, who stirred up controversy some years ago, with his revelation that, essentially, there is no hell. Branded a heretic by his peers in 2004, Pearson would eventually lose almost everything, and would have to fight to not only rebuild his church, but also his family, as well as find and establish his own personal path.

Tentatively titled “Come Sunday” (it’s also known as “Heretics”), the film was to be directed by a filmmaker who’s no stranger to acclaim himself, Jonathan Demme, from a script penned by Marcus Hinchey.

Also, Robert Redford was said to in talks to play Oral Roberts in the film – the connection there being that Pearson attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, where he was mentored by Oral Roberts.

Skip ahead to today, to news that Chiwetel Ejiofor is now in talks to star in “Come Sunday,” and that Netflix has apparently picked up the film. Also, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Joshua Marston (“Maria Full of Grace”) is now attached to direct.

Redford is still attached. So assuming a deal is made with Ejiofor, he’ll be replacing Wright (although Wright was also said to be “in talks” with no confirmation that he ever did fully commit to the project).

Pearson’s life story was the subject of an episode of the Chicago Public Radio program “This American Life” that was first broadcast on December 16, 2005. The episode, titled “Heretics,” is also the real-life account that the screenplay will be based on.

This reads like the kind of project that will dram critical attention, given the real-life story it’s based on, and the talent involved. Should Ejiofor seal a deal and star in the film, it could be an Oscar-worthy role for him.

Carlton Pearson

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