Bertrand Bonello gets a Marvel star for his next film
Mark Ruffalo will play a priest investigating John Paul II in this religious investigation inspired by a true story.
After the excellent HBO series Task And Poor Creatureswhich earned him an Oscar nomination in 2023, Mark Ruffalo is launching into French cinema!
The American actor abandons the Hulk costume for a project radically different from the Marvel Universe. He will be the headliner of Santo Subito!the new Bertrand Bonello (The Beast, Saint Laurent). The film promises to be dense, theological, obsessive. And above all… inspired by a true story.
Ruffalo plays Father Joseph Murolo, an American priest urgently called to the Vatican after the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. His mission: to become the “devil’s advocate”. Clearly, it is he who must ensure that no element contradicts the canonization file of Karol Wojtyła, the first non-Italian pope in 450 years. By delving into the archives and questioning colleagues, witnesses or secret confidants, Murolo plunges into a moral labyrinth that will put his faith to the test.
It should nevertheless be noted that this role will be somewhat closer to Task where he played a former priest, converted into an FBI agent.
The screenplay is by Thomas Bidegain (co-writer ofEmilia Perezand nominated for an Oscar) promises an investigation as much spiritual as political, between the backstage of the Vatican and forbidden truth.
Bertrand Bonello will start filming on March 9 in Italy and Poland.
For Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, co-producer and partner at Playtime, Santo Subito! is an immersive and rare film (quoted by Variety): “A real investigation behind the scenes of the Vatican, but also an interior journey on faith and values. The screenplay reads like a fascinating novel. And Ruffalo will give the character all the depth he deserves.”
No release date yet.
