Anthony Hopkins plays King Herod in the new biblical thriller MARY, directed by director DJ Caruso

Anthony Hopkins he stars alongside the up-and-coming Israeli actress Noah Cohen in the upcoming biblical thriller Maryand Hopkins plays King Herod in the film.

The film is described as a coming-of-age story that follows Mary, who “is shunned following the otherworldly conception of her child and forced into hiding.”

King Herod’s “relentless drive to maintain power at all costs triggers a murderous pursuit of the newborn baby he believes is a threat to his reign on the throne.”

The story also sees “young Mary and Joseph on the run and forced to hide their child, Jesus, at all costs.”

The film was directed by DJ Caruso (Disturbia, xXx: Return of Xander Cage), and has already completed production.

Hopkins said in a statement: “At this time in my life, I am drawn to the challenge posed by complex scripts. Additionally, the level of detail given to this production with amazing sets, props and costumes makes me proud to be a part of it.”

Producer Aloe added: “Hopkins was ready to play King Herod the Great. He embodied with great ferocity the historical figure of a king immersed in mental illness and greed.”

Caruso commented: “I want to give the world a portrait of the true human Mary. Her story has a lesser-known beginning; it is profoundly worthy of being told. Portraying her from birth through childhood and presenting her as a human being with apprehensions and fears will be a celebration of all that is inspiring and upsetting about her journey.”

Joel Osteen said: “What attracted me to this project was how the script represents a real twist on telling Mary’s story. She draws audiences into her incredible journey to becoming one of the most influential women in all of history.

Timothy Michael Hayes (Bird’s eye view) wrote the original screenplay after consulting with priests, bishops, Baptist pastors, rabbis, Mormons and Muslims along with biblical scholars and theologians.

The film is also the protagonist Mila Harris in the role of young Mary, Ido Tako like Joseph, Stefania Nur like Salome, Susan Brown like Anna the Prophetess, Ori Pfeffer like Joachim, Hilla Vidor like Anna, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson like Marcello e Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Eamon Farren, Mili Avital, Milo Djurovic, Charley Bon, Kelsie Lewis AND Jade Croot.