Brad Pitt May Play Pontius Pilate in Biblical Epic

Hollywood’s sudden embrace of Biblical stories may include Brad Pitt playing a religious figure some see as a classic film villain.

Deadline.com reports Brad Pitt is considering the title role in the upcoming Warner Bros. epic “Pontius Pilate.’

It is hard to put a new spin on the Greatest Story Ever Told, but the script had the twists and unexpected turns that satisfyingly combine history, political maneuvering and storytelling inventions reminiscent of such films as Braveheart and Gladiator. [Screenwriter Vera] Blasi has also taken the care to explain the motivations of religious leaders like the Jewish high priest Caiaphas (who engineers Christ’s demise) as these leaders tried to bring varying religious sects under one roof, and the script doesn’t have the polarizing chill some felt in The Passion Of The Christ.

The proposed film isn’t the only big-budget Hollywood project with religious themes. “Noah,” director Darren Aronofsky’s take on the classic Bible tale starring Russell Crowe as the famed ark builder, is heading our way next year. Will Smith is also circling a film about Cain and Abel while directors Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg may tackle Moses-themed projects.