The gospel according to Anne Rice is heading for the big screen
FilmDistrict has acquired U.S. distribution rights to "Christ the Lord," based on Rice's bestselling novel. The film examines Jesus' life as a young boy as he comes to terms with the responsibilities of being the son of the Christian deity.
FilmDistrict plans to distribute the film in March 2015.
Rice is best known for her erotic examinations of bloodsuckers in books like "Interview With the Vampire," but she veered into Christian infused writing in the early aughts thanks to her return to Roman Catholicism.
She later pseudo-renounced Christianity before clarifying her statements, explaining that she rejected the trappings of organized religion and some of its anti-gay adherents while remaining committed to Christ's teachings.
"Christ the Lord" will be directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, who previously oversaw the controversial mini-series "The Path to 9/11." He and his wife Betsy Nowrasteh wrote the screenplay.
The film will be produced by 1492 Pictures’ Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan, along with Hyde Park Entertainment, CJ Entertainment and Ocean Blue Entertainment.
Hyde Park International will handle the sale of foreign rights to the picture.
