James Faulkner is most well-known for his role in blockbuster HBO series "Game of Thrones", but the actor has said the he hopes that both believers and non-believers would like his new film, where he portrays the Apostle Paul.
In an interview with The Christian Post, the actor said that "Paul, Apostle of Christ" is a film for everyone. It will appeal to both Christian and secular viewers because the story of St. Paul is encompassing and relatable to all.
"This is a film about humanity and belief and what it is to be a good person," Faulkner said. "Be more generous to your fellow human being," he added. "You know, [that message] has a particular effect on the non-believer, who normally would revile and persecute Christians just as much as Saul did before he becomes Paul."
"Paul, Apostle of Christ" features Faulkner's character in his final days in prison as the Romans, through Emperor Nero, vow to put an end to Christianity. The movie also centers on Paul's relationship with the Apostle Luke, who takes high risks to visit his mentor in prison to continue to spread his testimony of Jesus Christ.
Faulkner has testified that playing Apostle Paul was transformative for him because he learned so much by reading and reflecting on Paul's letters, and by reading through notes that writer and director Andrew Hyatt gave him. In the short time that he filmed the movie in Malta, Faulkner learned deeply that despite being pushed to extremes, Paul never denounced his faith, not even when his life was on the line.
The actor believes that the message of the film holds true today since persecution, judgment and condemnation still exist in the modern world, especially on social media.
"Paul, Apostle of Christ" is currently in select theaters across U.S. The movie also stars "Passion of the Christ" actor Jim Caviezel as the Apostle Luke.
