In what might seem like one of the most unusual creative pairings in recent memory, Baz Luhrmann is teaming up with “Schindler’s List” author Tom Keneally to bring the story of Joan of Arc to the screen. Warner Bros is on-board to produce.
We already knew about this project, but Keneally’s involvement had not been reported on by outlets. The project will be based on Keneally’s 1974 novel “Blood Red, Sister Rose,” a deeply intimate retelling of the French saint’s final years.
Luhrmann, whose last outing was the maximalist “Elvis” biopic, co-wrote the screenplay with British playwright Ava Pickett (“1536”), whose work similarly probes power, feminism, and historical mythmaking.
Their take on Jehanne d’Arc won’t be a raw biopic. Expect a dreamlike dive into Joan’s fractured psyche—a blend of religious ecstasy, political drama, and intimacy. If Luhrmann’s past work is any indication — “Moulin Rouge,” “The Great Gatsby” — this also won’t be anything like Dreyer’s “Passion of Joan of Arc.”
The film will mark the first time Keneally has entrusted one of his major works to a director since Steven Spielberg turned “Schindler’s List” into the Oscar-winning film over three decades ago.
Luhrmann has reportedly immersed himself in 15th-century culture, even going so far as to try on period armor as part of his research process. Catherine Martin, Luhrmann’s longtime production and costume collaborator (and wife), will once again be involved.
Casting speculation has already begun. An actress has been found to lead the film, but it’s currently being kept hush-hush. There were previous rumors that Bella Ramsey (“Last of Us”) had been offered the gig, but with no confirmation, it’s anybody’s guess at this point.
Filming is set to begin in Gold Coast later this year, which is where Luhrmann resides. No release date has been announced by Warner Bros.