First Look At Chiwetel Ejiofor As Apostle Peter In Upcoming ‘Mary Magdalene’ Film

While Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s loss at the 2014 Oscars for his performance in 12 Years a Slave still stings, we know the talented British-Nigerian is just one great role away from finally walking away with that coveted statue.

Well, it seems that great role might be closer than we’d hoped. Ejiofor is one of the leads in the upcoming 2018 film, Mary Magdalene, which also stars fellow Oscar nominees, Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus and Rooney Mara as the titular Mary.

Ejiofor plays Peter, a former fisherman who, according to the new testament, becomes one of Jesus’ 12 apostles and his lead disciple. He famously denied Jesus three times, and was forgiven after the resurrection.

Directed by Garth Davis (Lion, Top of the Lake), the biblical biopic has been described as “an authentic and humanistic portrait “of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history, Mary of Magdala.

The movie, which is set to drop next year, currently has all the makings of a true Oscar contender: an acclaimed filmmaker who directed a ‘Best Picture’ nominee, Oscar-nominated performers, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer and an important story.

Watch the stunning trailer below: