20th Century Fox to Release Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s Son of God

20th Century Fox announced today that the studio will release “The Bible” producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s big screen Son of God in theaters on February 28, 2014. Here’s the full press release followed by the first photos:

Twentieth Century Fox announced today it will release SON OF GOD in theaters nationwide February 28, 2014. This major motion picture event — an experience created to be shared among families and communities across the U.S. — brings the story of Jesus? life to audiences through compelling cinematic storytelling that is both powerful and inspirational.

Producer and Actress Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel, The Bible) and Producer Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor, Shark Tank, The Bible) brought the epic miniseries ?The Bible” to television audiences around the world with their company LightWorkers Media. The series became the number one cable entertainment telecast of the year, one of the fastest-selling TV-to-disc titles ever and went on to garner 3 Emmy® Award nominations. Mixing adventure, action and drama from The Bible, the series drew acclaim for retelling the sacred text in a way that was relevant to today?s audiences.

Now, the larger-than-life story of Jesus gets a larger-than-life treatment in the stand-alone feature SON OF GOD. Told with the scope and scale of an action epic, the film features powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score from Oscar®-winner Hans Zimmer. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado beautifully portrays the role of Jesus as the film spans from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. This movie has been able to bring leaders together with support from across all denominations. The producers focused from the very beginning on creating an experience that would be shared by all.

Pastor Rick Warren says, “I?ve seen most of the films about Jesus produced in the past 50 years. SON OF GOD stands alone, in a class by itself. It is a powerful and poignant movie, the best Jesus movie I have ever seen. I am thrilled that Twentieth Century Fox is distributing this film and I know it will be a blessing to millions when it opens all across America on February 28, 2014.”

Rev. Sam Rodriguez, President of the Hispanics Evangelical Alliance says, “SON OF GOD fills the big screen with two catalytic elements: the passion of the cross and the purpose of the empty tomb, forgiveness and eternal life. SON OF GOD is not just a production worth watching it is a gift worth experiencing.”

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington DC, says, “I would recommend to individuals, and particularly to families, this wonderful story of the Son of God in order to be inspired all over again with the story of God?s love for us. It is a joy to watch this film bring alive the pages of the Gospel to help us see what those who lived at the time of Jesus experienced.”

Bishop T.D. Jakes says, “I believe the audience will be enthralled, encouraged and inspired by the movie SON OF GOD.?

The producers are thrilled that their Jesus narrative will finally be seen on the big screen. “We are very excited to be working with Twentieth Century Fox to release SON OF GOD as a major motion picture,” said Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. “We responded to an overwhelming demand for the greatest story ever told to be seen as a shared experience on the big screen. The result is a beautiful stand-alone movie. It’s the story of Jesus for a whole new generation.”

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have succeeded in doing what few before them have done; they have produced in SON OF GOD a film that tells the story of Jesus and touches the heart. “SON OF GOD proves that when talent and passion collide, the outcome is spectacular,” said Joel Osteen, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church and #1 bestselling author. “Having spent time with them on the set, Victoria and I witnessed first hand the deep and abiding passion they both possess for God’s Word.”

Inspired by the success of ?The Bible? series, SON OF GOD features never-before-seen footage, a theatrical edit and a 5.1 surround sound mix that adds to the immediacy of the experience.