Big-screen legends Sir Ben Kingsley and Peter O’Toole are expected in Malta next year to film a biblical epic entitled Mary Mother of Christ.
Kftv.com reported that pre-production on the island would start in early January with principal photography getting under way in March.
But Film Commissioner Peter Busutil said the filming schedule was not yet confirmed and he was wary about offering guarantees.
“It is very probable it will be shot here, but until the dates are officially established I don’t want to give full-blown confirmation,” he said.
Mr Busuttil added that the Film Commission had been in discussion with Los Angeles-based producer, Aloe Entertainment, for the past two years about shooting the film in Malta.
The New Testament epic will explore Mary’s life from childhood to motherhood.
It is expected to be extremely popular in strongly Catholic Malta, where the mother of Christ also inspires deep devotion in many.
Mary will be played by Odeya Rush, an Israeli-born actress, best known for her role in the 2012 film The Odd Life of Timothy Green.
Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley will play the wicked King Herod, while O’ Toole will star as the prophet Simeone.
The film will also feature Joe Azzopardi, Kellan Lutz, Vanessa Redgrave and Dominic Cooper, who developed a taste for Malta after filming The Devil’s Double on the island in 2011.
It will be directed by Alister Grierson from a screenplay by Barbara Nicolosi.
Malta-based Latina Pictures are the service providers according to KFTV, a guide to production services companies in 149 countries.
“The main attraction of Malta for this production is the locations, weather and ambience that the island offers,” Mr Busuttil said.
He added that the tax rebate provided by the Government of up to 25 per cent on qualifying expenditure also attracted Aloe Entertainment.
Filming locations were not yet confirmed but Mr Busuttil expected that a lot of shooting would take place at Fort Ricasoli, which has previously housed sets for Hollywood blockbusters Gladiator and Troy.