As Netflix continues to grow their library of new and original content, there's no telling what movies or television series they'll introduce next. Earlier today, Deadline Hollywood got the word that GAME OF THRONE's alum Jonathan Pryce is joining the popular streaming service's feature film THE POPE as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis. Also circling the project is famed actor Anthony Hopkins, who is currently in talks to play Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict. Directing the film will be CITY OF GOD and BLINDNESS helmer Fernando Meirelles, who will work from a script penned by THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING's Anthony McCarten.
The film tells the story of Pope Benedict’s election, and his subsequent resignation from the papacy. That opened the door for Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentinian Cardinal who became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and the first Pope from outside Europe since the 8th Century. The drama conveys his reluctance to take the top post in 2013. His humility and devotion to the poor has made him a galvanizing force for tolerance and change.
Although Pryce has 114 acting credits to his name since his first role as a police constable in the TV series DOOMWATCH (1972), most cinephiles will recognize him as the power hungry and sinister High Sparrow from HBO's GAME OF THRONES. In that role, High Sparrow is a religious figure hell-bent on gaining power within the seven kingdoms as opposed to genuinely serving a higher power. With that character fresh in his mind, it should be interesting to see what sort of approach Pryce takes to a world-famous figure like Pope Francis.
No further details regarding THE POPE are available at this time, though with Pryce and Hopkins poised to join the project, I've no doubt that we'll be receiving more information soon. In the meantime, you could always go back and watch some previous seasons of GAME OF THRONES or WESTWORLD to see both actors doing what they do best.
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