Featured Image Credit: TMI Press
Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity
Anish Vij
One of the UK's greatest actors looks unrecognisable as he takes on the role of 'Jesus' in a new movie.
The Jeymes Samuel-led film follows the unlucky Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield), living in A.D. 33 Jerusalem, trying to find a better life for himself and his family.
Produced by Samuel, Jay-Z, James Lassiter, and Tendo Nagenda, the comedy-drama focuses on Clarence's pretend journey to becoming a new Messiah sent by God, in an attempt to free himself of debt.
Advert
Take a look at the trailer for The Book of Clarence below:
The all-star cast includes Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Teyana Taylor and James McAvoy.
Dropping in cinemas last month, film-fanatics seem to have largely enjoyed the film.
Advert
With a solid 80 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, one person commented: "This movie was better than I expected. Amazing videography, the performances were on point and unexpectedly hilarious. Worth watching again."
And a second added: "Excellent interpretation of the Bible. It answers a lot of the biblical stereotypes that have been depicted in the Bible. It will definitely make you go back and reread the Bible."
"I thought the movie was pretty good," a third viewer thought. "If I had gone by the comments people made before the movie came out, I would have missed out on a thought provoking, at moments funny movie...
"I saw it as a movie about self reflection & redemption."
Advert
But some viewers were left stunned by the introduction of Marvel star Benedict Cumberbatch, who looks completely unrecognisable in his role.
Cumberbatch plays a street beggar named Benjamin throughout the film, looking uncharacteristically disheveled and filthy.
Benjamin doesn't seem to have much significance at first, despite making numerous appearances throughout the film.
This is, however, until the third act when Jesus of Nazareth performs a miracle that gives Benjamin the ability to create coins out of his bare hands.
Advert
Alongside being cleaned up and suddenly bearing a resemblance to the modern-day Jesus Christ, people start to mistake Benjamin for the Messiah.
This is despite the real Jesus Christ in the film being played by Nicholas Pinnock.
But this doesn't work out too well for Benjamin in the end, as the Romans have him crucified.
It turns out that fans didn't actually realise Benjamin was Cumberbatch until his character had a good wash and trim.
Advert
"The Benedict Cumberbatch reveal in The Book of Clarence had me dying," one viewer said as the British actor rocked up with his Messiah get-up.
"Benedict Cumberbatch coming out of nowhere was fun lol," a second added.
"Without exaggerating me to myself every time Benedict came on during The Book of Clarence," a third wrote.
The Book of Clarence came out on 12 January and is available to watch in cinemas now.