Coming Attractions: Hilary Swank stars in faith-themed "Ordinary Angels" + Antonio Banderas plays King Herod in epic Nativity musical "Journey to Bethlehem"

Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 05/03/23

Hilary Swank and Antonio Banderas star in upcoming faith-themed projects.

Based on a true story, Ordinary Angels stars Hilary Swank as Sharon, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and moving whatever mountains are necessary to do it. The movie set to open nationwide in theaters on October 13th.

As Christmas approaches the following month, Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro) can be seen portraying the villainous King Herod in Journey to Bethlehem, a musical take on the Nativity. Fiona Palomo (Outer Banks, Control Z) and Milo Manheim (of Disney’s Zombies series) star as Mary and Joseph. Principal photography for the Sony AFFIRM Films – Monarch Media project is currently underway on the coast of Spain.

The musical is the brainchild of director Adam Anders who recalls first having the idea for the film five years ago. As he tells it “I was looking for a musical to watch with my family at Christmastime…I want this movie to be a bright light this Christmas season — as bright as the star of Bethlehem.”

AFFIRM Films chief Rich Peluso praises Anders’ vision, saying “This joyous and fresh take on Mary and Joseph’s journey, combined with the infectious music and insanely passionate vision of Adam Anders made this an undeniable fit for AFFIRM Films and Sony Pictures to come alongside and help turn this amazing story into a Christmas classic that will resound with young children, families, teens and adults.”

Producer Alan Powell of Monarch Media concurs, adding “We’ve been amazed at Adam’s ability to tell the widely known story of Mary, Joseph and a jealous king in a way that feels fresh and contemporary, like you’ve never heard it before.”

Sony has slated the musical for a wide theatrical release this coming November 10th. Check out the teaser trailer below.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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