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The resurgence of the biblical epic film genre continues with the announcement of Zero AD, a new movie project that follows in the wake of Netflix’s “Mary” released last year. This latest cinematic venture will delve into a dramatic episode from biblical history.
Zero AD to Depict Massacre of the Innocents
Zero AD, previously known as “Bethlehem,” will bring to the screen the harrowing biblical narrative of the Massacre of the Innocents. The film will explore the infamous decree by the tyrannical King Herod, who commanded the execution of all male infants under the age of two in and around Bethlehem.
Herod’s brutal order was driven by a desperate attempt to eliminate the prophesied newborn Jewish Messiah, news of whose birth had been delivered to the monarch by the Magi. The king feared this child would one day threaten his sovereignty.
However, as recounted in the Gospels, an angelic visitation alerted Mary and Joseph to the impending danger, prompting their flight to Egypt and escape from Herod’s decree.
Star-Studded Cast: Worthington, Mendelsohn, and Cassel
The film Zero AD boasts a compelling cast, headlined by Sam Worthington, who will portray a soldier tasked with carrying out the grim infanticide. Ben Mendelsohn is also set to appear in a role suggested to be the Devil, adding a supernatural element to the historical drama.
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Deva Cassel as Virgin Mary and Jim Caviezel as King Herod
Deva Cassel, daughter of cinematic icons Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, will take on the role of the Virgin Mary. The trailer for Zero AD has already generated significant buzz, particularly for the dramatic transformation of a notable Hollywood star into King Herod. This heavily prostheticized portrayal is, in fact, Jim Caviezel.
Caviezel Reunites with Director Monteverde
Jim Caviezel, renowned for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and slated to reprise the role in the forthcoming “The Resurrection of the Christ”, is once again collaborating with director Alejandro Gómez Monteverde. The pair previously worked together on the acclaimed film “Sound of Freedom.”
Official Synopsis: A Battle Between Power and Destiny
The official synopsis for Zero AD offers further insight into the film’s narrative depth, stating:
“Before kings and empires feared him, a tyrant sought to erase him. A newborn child ignites a prophetic war. A ruthless prince seeks to crush the prophecy that threatens his father’s rule. And an unlikely mother is forced into the center of a battle between power and destiny. This is the untold origin of a revolution—where faith is tested, courage is forged, and the forces of darkness fight to extinguish the light.”
Anticipated Cinema Release Date
Zero AD is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on December 19, 2025.