Pope Francis will play himself in the new movie Beyond the Sun, making his acting debut and the first time that a pope has appeared in a feature film.
Beyond the Sun is described as a “family adventure based on the Gospels. Pope Francis asked the filmmakers to make a movie that communicated Jesus’ message to children,” according to Variety.
The movie will be produced by Ambi Pictures and all profits from the movie will be donated to Argentinean charities El Alemendro and Los Hogares de Christo, which help at-risk children and young adults.
Ambi Pictures is no stranger to producing major motion pictures. In fact, Ambi pictures is currently working on the remake of Christopher Nolan’s Memento and the Atlanta filmed James Franco movie, In Dubious Battle.
Ambi Pictures’ co-founders, Andrea Iervolina and Lady Monia Barcadi will finance and produce the movie. Iervolina commented on the movie by saying: “Our excitement and gratitude toward His Holiness, Pope Francis participating in this film is beyond words,” he said. “This is not just a movie for us, it’s a message, and who better to have on your side to deliver an important societal and spiritual message than the Pope.”
Bacardi said, “It is a great honor for Andrea and I to have the opportunity to work with His Holiness, Pope Francis, to spread the awareness of his message, through this film. We will make a movie everyone involved with can be proud of. Not only will families from around globe enjoy this film and be entertained, but they will be moved.”
Filming is expected to start this year in Italy.
