When it comes to popular people, there is perhaps no one quite like Jesus Christ. For many people, he is the Messiah who walked the Earth, died on the cross for their sins, and experienced a resurrection three days later. For others, he’s a well-known prophet or an overall historical figure they are familiar with. There have been many books, shows, films, and more about the life and death of Jesus; however, none of them are quite like this one. The Book of Clarence examines this Biblical epic from the viewpoint of its titular protagonist in an intriguing new trailer.
There’s so much to discuss about this clip. First, the physical depiction of Jesus and those around him lines up with what the Bible itself and historians have affirmed for many years.
What we wish this trailer kept was the brilliant use of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U,” which we heard in the first teaser trailer. That song fits this film’s theme perfectly. Prince will forever be a music god, after all. This story isn’t about the Messiah himself, but rather the allure of his influence on one man’s life.
Here’s a quick plot synopsis to bring things into clearer focus:
From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Biblical-era epic. Streetwise but down-on-his-luck, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, JAY-Z, and more.
In addition to the trailer for The Book of Clarence, check out these gorgeous exclusive images from Vanity Fair of this upcoming film.
Jeymes Samuel takes a big swing with ‘The Book of Clarence,’ but that’s all he knows how to do.
“He has this fearlessness to him,” says Jay-Z of his longtime collaborator. “He’s very confident, but it’s not off-putting.”
🔗: https://t.co/Nr9A54rL71 pic.twitter.com/f0xLo9V2PV
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) August 28, 2023
Exploring the life and times of Jesus through the eyes of everyday man is a great concept. And LaKeith Stanfield is having quite the run recently with The Changeling preparing to hit Apple TV+ soon. In addition to Stanfield, this film stars Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Book of Clarence hits theaters sometime in 2024.
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.
Originally published on August 29, 2023.