The Book of Clarence is a 2023 American epic biblical comedy-drama film produced, written, and directed by Jeymes Samuel. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, James Lassiter, and Tendo Nagenda also produce. The film stars LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The Book of Clarence had its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2023, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on January 12, 2024, by TriStar Pictures.
Premise
A struggling down-on-his-luck man named Clarence living in 29 A.D. Jerusalem looks to capitalize on the rise of Jesus Christ by claiming to be a new Messiah sent by God, in an attempt to free himself of debt and start a life of glory for himself.
Cast
Production
In May 2022, Jeymes Samuel announced that The Book of Clarence would be his next film, and that LaKeith Stanfield would portray the titular Clarence. He cited biblical epics such as The Ten Commandments (1956), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Samson and Delilah (1949), and Ben-Hur (1959) as films he was modeling Clarence after. In October, Omar Sy joined the cast, with Legendary Entertainment acquiring the project.
In December, RJ Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard and Marianne Jean-Baptiste were among several additions to the cast. Rob Hardy will serve as cinematographer, Tom Eagles as editor, Peter Walpole as production designer, and Samuel is composing the score.
Filming began in November 2022 in Matera, Italy.
Release
The Book of Clarence had its world premiere at the 67th London Film Festival on October 11, 2023, and is set to be theatrically released on January 12, 2024. It was originally set to be released on September 22, 2023, but was delayed for unspecified reasons.
Reception
See also
Elymas "Bar-Jesus"