Golden Globe nominee and celebrated British actorDavid Oyelowohas a message for anyone offended by a Black Jesus in the upcoming biblical comedy drama,The Book of Clarence. Speaking exclusively withMovieWebabout the project, we asked Oyelowo and co-star Anna Diop what their thoughts were about conservative people of faith who are historically offended by the concept of a Black Jesus (or Black Santa Claus), with Oyelowo hoping their offense was apparent regarding other depictions of religious figures.
“Well, I just hope they were as offended by Charlton Heston as Moses and Robert Powell as Jesus. You know, that’s all I have to say. I mean, we can stop it there. Jesus came for the entire world. And for us as Black people, you know, I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone just how much our culture, our race, has been impacted by Christianity as well. So this is our opportunity to tell our story through our perspective and our lens with our music and our bodies and our humor and our accents. And anyone who doesn’t like it can go and watch Charlton Heston.”
Oyelowo’s co-star Anna Diop, who portrays Clarence’s love-interest in the movie, offered a clear and concise response to his words, saying…
“I second that.”
The Book of Clarencewill offer an alternate take on the familiar bible tale, withFor LifeandDjangostar Nicholas Pinnock set to play Jesus Christ. No doubtThe Book of Clarencewill offend those of a certain disposition, but as Oyelowo points out, anyone unhappy with this version can stick with Charlton Heston and Robert Powell.
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The Book of Clarence Is Due to Land in Theaters on Friday
The Book of Clarence
From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall),The Book of Clarencewill tell a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. The story follows the streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield), who is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge.
Led by LaKeith Stanfield as Clarence, the rest of the all-star cast includes Omar Sy as Barabbas, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler as Elijah, David Oyelowo as John the Baptist, Micheal Ward as Judas, Alfre Woodard as Mother Mary, Teyana Taylor as Mary Magdalene, and Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus Christ, as well as Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.The Book of Clarencewill also feature new music by Jeymes Samuel, JAY-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi and more.
The Book of Clarenceis due to be released in theaters nationwide on June 16, 2025, courtesy of TriStar Pictures and Legendary Pictures. Check out the trailer below:
