The increasingly fervent audience for biblical films has been given a glimpse of their next cinematic saviour: Ewan McGregor, playing Jesus in the drama Last Days in the Desert.
With his beard, humble clothes, Caucasian complexion and surf-bro hair, McGregor’s Jesus cleaves to the image beloved of children’s Bibles, as well as previous cinematic incarnations such as Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ.
The film will explore a crucial event in the life of the son of God: his decision, after being baptised, to spend 40 days and nights in the desert fasting. He is visited by Satan, who tempts him, trying to get him to break his fast – he suggests that Jesus should turn stones into bread to eat, let God catch him after jumping from a height, and finally worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Spoiler alert: Jesus resists, Satan departs, and angels visit Jesus to nourish him after his ordeal.
McGregor is also taking the part of Satan, with Tye Sheridan, Ciaran Hinds and Ayelet Zurer playing the parts of Son, Father and Mother respectively. It is written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia, known for his Oscar-nominated drama Albert Nobbs.
Last Days in the Desert is the latest film to give the Bible a heavyweight drama treatment. The “faith film” market is in rude health with hits such as Heaven Is for Real and God’s Not Dead, while Darren Aronofsky’s Noah took the phenomenon to the multiplex, earning $362m worldwide. Currently on release meanwhile is Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods and Kings, his tale of Moses and his struggle to emancipate the Israelites.
