Biblical Epic ‘Mary’ With Anthony Hopkins Acquired By Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)

Netflix has acquired the Anthony Hopkins-led biblical epic “Mary,” and will release the film this year.

From director D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia,” “Eagle Eye,” “XXX: Return of Xander Cage”) and writer Timothy Michael Hayes (“BirdsEye”), “Mary” is a coming-of-age biblical epic in which Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod (Hopkins) ignites a murderous pursuit for her newborn baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph go on the run — bound together by fate and driven by courage — to save his life at all costs.

Two-time Oscar winner Hopkins is joined by Noa Cohen (“Infinity,” “Silent Game,” “My Nephew From Hell”) as Mary and Ido Tako (“The Vanishing Soldier,” “Sky”) as Joseph. Mila Harris (“No Exit”), Stephanie Nur (“Lioness,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”), Susan Brown, Keren Tzur, Ori Pfeffer, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Hilla Vidor, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Eman Farren, Jade Croot, Charley Boon, Kelsie Lewis and Jay Willick also star.

Producers for the picture include Mary Aloe for Aloe Entertainment, Hannah Leader for Luna Film Productions, Gillian Hormel for Ludascripts and Joshua Harris for PeachTree Media Partners.

“I’m thrilled that we are bringing ‘Mary’ to the world with Netflix, as there is no bigger and better outreach to inspire people globally,” Aloe said in a statement.

Pastor Joel Osteen, who was on “The Bible Series” in 2013, will be part of the film’s upcoming marketing campaign.

UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. Hopkins is represented by UTA and Goodman Genow.