Joseph Fiennes has never shied away from tackling roles of profound importance, heck he played The Bard in Shakespeare in Love.
His latest, Risen, finds him portraying Clavius, the Roman military man charged with overseeing and investigating the events following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Risen is a fascinating and unique look at the days after the Romans executed Jesus, in that it feels like a detective story and less of a hit you over the head Bible tale. It was that element that truly attracted Fiennes to the role and in our exclusive video interview, the BAFTA nominated actor shares insight into delving back into biblical times for a film mystery unlike we’ve ever seen.
Risen also stars with Tom Felton (Harry Potter series), Peter Firth (who plays Pilate) and in a stroke of perfect casting, Cliff Curtis is Yeshua/Jesus.
Fiennes also dishes in the above exclusive video interview what it was that made Curtis such an impeccable choice to play one of the most iconic roles in history and what he took away from his time with the New Zealand raised performer.
Risen rises in theaters February 18.