‘Sound of Freedom’ team reunites for ‘Zero A.D.,’ new film on birth of Christ

The filmmakers behind the box-office hit Sound of Freedom are reuniting for a new biblical epic, bringing one of Christianity’s most sacred stories to Hollywood.

Mexican Catholic actor and producer Eduardo Verástegui is joining forces once again with director Alejandro Monteverde for Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ, a film exploring the birth of Jesus, King Herod’s violent persecution of innocent children, and Mary’s determination to protect her Son.

Distributed by Angel Studios, the film is scheduled to arrive in U.S. and Canadian theaters Dec. 11, bringing the story of the Nativity to audiences just two weeks before Christmas.

Unlike traditional Christmas films that focus primarily on the peaceful imagery of Bethlehem, Zero A.D. explores the political turmoil and violence surrounding Christ’s birth. The film draws inspiration from the biblical account of the Massacre of the Innocents, commemorated by the Catholic Church each year on Dec. 28.

The story places particular emphasis on Herod’s fear of losing power and the danger faced by the Holy Family, presenting the Nativity against the backdrop of a struggle between earthly authority and the arrival of the promised Savior.

The film has received a PG-13 rating for strong violent content, bloody images, and thematic elements, reflecting its portrayal of the persecution described in the Gospel of Matthew.

From Jesus Christ to King Herod: Caviezel takes on a surprising new role

One of the film’s most striking casting decisions is the return of Caviezel, who played Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, to biblical cinema, this time portraying one of Christianity’s most infamous villains.

Caviezel plays King Herod, the ruler who, according to the Gospel of Matthew, ordered the killing of young boys in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Messiah.

The film follows Mary and Joseph as they struggle to protect the infant Jesus amid Herod’s increasingly violent efforts to preserve his throne.

Deva Cassel, daughter of Italian actress Monica Bellucci and French actor Vincent Cassel, portrays the Virgin Mary, while British actor Jamie Ward takes on the role of St. Joseph.

Avatar star Sam Worthington plays Antipater, Herod’s son, while Ben Mendelsohn portrays Nahash. Mexican actor Gael García Bernal joins the cast as Joachim, traditionally recognized as the father of the Virgin Mary.

David Harewood will portray Balthazar, one of the Magi traditionally associated with the visit to the newborn Christ.

The filmmakers behind ‘Sound of Freedom’ return to faith-based cinema

For Verástegui and Monteverde, Zero A.D. marks another collaboration following the international success of Sound of Freedom, the 2023 film starring Caviezel that brought widespread attention to the fight against child sex trafficking.

Produced by Verástegui and directed by Monteverde, Sound of Freedom became an unexpected commercial success, earning more than $250 million worldwide and demonstrating the significant audience for films addressing moral and social issues.

The two filmmakers have also collaborated on Little Boy, a 2015 drama exploring faith, hope, and the power of prayer.

Verástegui, who has become a prominent Catholic voice in the entertainment industry, has repeatedly emphasized his desire to use filmmaking as a means of promoting faith, defending human dignity, and strengthening families. On Oct. 23 he shared that he gave Pope Leo XIV a copy of the Zero A.D. script so that, with the help of his prayer, the movie reaches thousands of hearts.

In discussing Zero A.D., the producer has expressed his hope that the film will do more than entertain audiences, encouraging viewers to reflect on the birth of Christ and its spiritual significance