Saturday, April 08, 2006
Murphy, Hanks to Star in Book of Judas
Hollywood (FN) - What was once an ancient secret will soon be a Hollywood blockbuster. Paramount Pictures announced today that they have optioned a script based on the recently discovered Book of Judas.
The long-lost Gospel, allegedly written by Judas Iscariot, turned the religious world on its head last week with its suggestion that Judas was in fact not a traitor but rather Jesus' closest friend and confidant.
Paramount spokesman described the archaeological find as a natural extension of the current Da Vinci Code buzz and promised that the forthcoming script would treat the historical subjects respectfully.
"The historical significance of this discovery cannot be understated. What we have discovered here, at long last, are the ancient origins of the buddy movie," said Paramount publicist Chad Ryerson.
Ryerson also indicated that the production has tentatively cast Eddie Murphy to play Jesus and Tom Hanks to play Judas Iscariot.
Although script details are still under wraps, Ryerson indicated that it would be generally faithful to the original story.
"This is, after all, an inspiring story, so you can hardly blame us if the final result is a story that is 'inspired by' the original rather than a slavish adaptation."
In the story, Judas is portrayed as a by-the-book religious scholar who teams up with Jesus, a freewheeling reformer who refuses to play by the rules.
The duo's rollercoaster relationship unfolds through their madcap adventures across Judea. Tension rises as it appears that Judas betrays Jesus, but this turns out to be a clever shell-game planned by Jesus himself.
When the pair's schemes go awry, Judas puts his own neck on the line by taking the case to the High Court in Heaven where he convinces God to give his beleagured partner a second chance.
"I predict there won't be a dry eye in the house. It's going to be the most uplifting scene since Al Pacino's climactic performance in Scent of a Woman," Ryerson said.
posted by Mentok @ 11:15 a.m.,
5 Comments:
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At 9:19 p.m.,
Bathroom Hippo said...
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They originally chose me for the part of Judas. But..you know...methane problems, uncontrollable bowel movements. When I betrayed the master with a kiss the guy who plays Jesus (Birdman) and I couldn't stop laughing. -
At 12:26 p.m.,
mkecurler said...
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My brain hurts thinking about this one!!!!!
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At 7:17 p.m.,
Library Mama said...
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I predict that Pamela Anderson will be cast as Mary Magdalene. I believe she has the required assets.
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At 10:11 p.m.,
Bathroom Hippo said...
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Pam Anderson as Christ's wife?
I love being Christian! -
At 11:22 a.m.,
Mentok said...
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Who better to play Pontius Pilate? Or maybe God? Yah, Nick Nolte would make a great God, one you'd really be scared of.
