Mary Magdalene trailer: See Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus Christ
The next film from the director of Lion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Universal has released the first trailer for Garth Davis' Mary Magdalene.
It sees Joaquin Phoenix step into the lofty role of Jesus Christ, while Rooney Mara plays the titular protagonist.
Magdalene was a Jewish woman who, according to the New Testament, travelled with Jesus as one of his followers, witnessing the alleged crucifixion and resurrection. She is named 12 times in the four Gospels - more than most of the apostles.
The official synopsis is as follows:
'MARY MAGDALENE is an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history. The biblical biopic tells the story of Mary (Rooney Mara), a young woman in search of a new way of living. Constricted by the hierarchies of the day, Mary defies her traditional family to join a new social movement led by the charismatic Jesus of Nazareth (Joaquin Phoenix). She soon finds a place for herself within the movement and at the heart of a journey that will lead to Jerusalem.'
During the Middle Ages, Magdalene was regarded in Western Christianity as a repentant prostitute.
Chiwetel Ejiofor co-stars as Peter. Davis (best known for Lion) directs a script from Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments