Lecrae is working with a three-time Grammy-nominated music producer and other well-known Christian artists on a family-friendly musical about Mary and Joseph, scheduled for a theater release in November.

Adam Anders, the film’s director and music producer, received Grammy nods in 2011 and 2012 for “Glee” and “Rock of Ages” in 2013. He also produced music for faith-based projects like 2016’s “The Passion” and “Son of God” in 2014. Alan Powell of Monarch Media, one of the companies behind the film, said, “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.”

Powell previously co-wrote and co-produced the popular Netflix faith-based musical A Week Away. He will produce the film. Fiona Palomo, best known for her work on “Outer Banks,” will play Mary, while Milo Manheim from “School Spirits” will play Joseph. Antonio Banderas will play King Herod. The movie also has For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone and Christian singer Moriah. Stephanie Gil, known for her role in “Fatima,” also has a part in the film. Affirm Films, a Sony company, is behind the movie.

Anders said he wants the film to inspire audiences, saying, “I first had the idea for the film years ago when 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.” The film is described as “a live-action Christmas musical celebration for the entire family.”

The description also says that the film will merge classic Christmas songs into new pop songs in a music-infused retelling of the timeless story of Joseph and Mary and Jesus’ birth. A news release said, “it will be an epic Christmas musical that is unlike any before it.” The film is being shot on the coast of Spain.

Rich Peluso, the head and executive vice president of Affirm, said, “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. These two companies will come alongside and help turn this amazing story into a Christmas classic that will resound with young children, families, teens and adults.”

The forthcoming Nativity musical is the latest in a slew of recent media ventures dramatizing the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. “The Chosen,” a multiseason look at the life of Christ through the eyes of His disciples, has become a global phenomenon since its launch in 2017. In November 2022, season three debuted on over 2,000 screens globally and grossed $8.75 million in sales on opening weekend.

Perhaps the increase in production on these projects and their success shows that the public is hungry to hear more about God. It also shows how God’s hand is on the ventures that glorify Him.