Biblical epic movie 'Risen' to provide unique viewpoint of Jesus' resurrection

Joseph Fiennes will star as the unbelieving Clavius in the Biblical epic "Risen."Erinc Salor

The upcoming Biblical epic movie "Risen," starring Joseph Fiennes, will present a unique perspective on the death, resurrection, and ascencion of Jesus Christ.

The feature film, which will be released on January 22, 2016 follows the story of a Roman military tribune named Clavius (Fiennes) who is second to Pontius Pilate.

The unbelieving Clavius saw Jesus die and has been tasked to dispel the rumors that Christ indeed has risen. However, when Clavius and his aide Lucius set out to find Jesus' body and ensure that His followers do not steal it and claim resurrection, they are flummoxed when His body goes missing. They are now on a race against the clock to find the body of Jesus in order to dispel the rumors about the risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.

"'Risen' is a gripping story of a top Roman official ordered to prove Jesus' resurrection was a hoax by finding the body and crushing His few but passionate followers," shared Rich Peluso, AFFIRM Films senior vice president. "Christians know it was no hoax. But seeing a doubter, a skeptic, unravel the mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection brings a new outsider's perspective to the Gospel's account of the most important event in human history."

"Risen" is produced by LD Entertainment and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment's TriStar Pictures in association with AFFIRM Films, which is known for its faith-and-family films such as "Soul Surfer," "Courageous," and "When the Game Stands Tall."

Aside from Fiennes, it will also star "Harry Potter" alum Tom Felton, "Pearl Harbor" actor Peter Firth, and "Live Free or Die Hard" actor Cliff Curtis. "Risen" is directed by Kevin Reynolds and is edited by Steven Mirkovich.

The producers of "Risen" believe that offering the point of view of a non-believer with regards to the resurrection of Jesus will attract a wider range of audiences and at the same time renew the faith of those who believe.