The BBC have today announced the launch of what they are calling "a landmark new series".
NAZARENE, written and run by Mark Gatiss, will be a contemporary reimagining of the story of Jesus Christ, and in a move certain to shock the Christian religion, all the major parts will be taken by women. The lead role of Jesus - now Jess Christie - will be played by Pearl Mackie, most well known for playing Bll Potts in Doctor Who, alongside Peter Capaldi's 12th Doctor.
In a statement, Gatiss said:
"For far too long now, the story of Jesus has been overly-male-dominated. Jesus, a man followed by twelve other men, preaching to men and persecuted by yet more men. The women in the story are mostly relegated to minor and degrading roles, such as serving girls and prostitutes. The only major exception is Jesus's mother, Mary, and even she doesn't really feature all that much. We felt that the story could be brought up-to-date and made more relevant to a 21st-century audience."
Other cast members announced include Sheridan Smith, Meera Syal, Kathy Burke and Thandie Newton, while Dame Maggie Smith will play King Herod, now reimagined as the British Prime Minister.
Exact air dates have not been decided, but the show is expected to air over Christmas 2019, and run right through to Easter 2020.
