Hardwicke Eyeing 'Nativity'

Virgin Mary story may have a helmer.

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Tuesday, February 7th 2006 at 3:37 AM

Remember that story I posted a few weeks back about the movie New Line was getting ready for production about the Virgin Mary? Well, it may have a helmer as The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Lords of Dogtown director Catherine Hardwicke is in negotiations to direct Nativity, New Line Cinema's look at the life of the Virgin Mary before the birth of Christ.

Apparently the studio wants Hardwicke for her ability to tell the story of Mary's life from a strong female perspective.

The screenplay was written by Mike Rich who's screenplay follows Mary and Joseph's life before the birth of Christ as their love, faith and beliefs are tested. The script incorporates their departure from Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem and includes such biblical figures as King Herod, John the Baptist and the three kings from the Orient, among others.

There is no hiding the fact that the film hopes to capture the same kind of buzz Mel Gibson's $600 million worldwide box-office success The Passion of the Christ, adn with a good story, who knows, it may do just that.