‘Just ludicrous!’ Reverend hits back at pro-Palestine fury as Netflix accused of ‘erasure’ in religious epic
Reverend Michael Coren has criticised the Christian backlash against Netflix’s new biblical biopic ‘Mary’, calling reactions that it is “destroying their faith” ludicrous.
Speaking on GB News, the clergyman expressed disappointment not with the film’s controversial elements, but rather its mediocrity.
“I was waiting to be surprised or provoked, but I just thought, ‘oh golly, that’s gone to something else’. It’s not a shocking film in any way,” Coren said.
The film has sparked heated debate from both Christian and Palestinian groups since its release.
The controversy centres on the casting of 22-year-old Israeli actress Noa Cohen as Mary, mother of Jesus.
Director D J Caruso defended the decision, stating: “It was important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be selected from Israel to ensure authenticity.”
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The choice has sparked outrage on social media, with critics arguing that Mary should be portrayed by a Palestinian actor.
Some have linked the casting to current Middle East tensions, with particular criticism of the decision amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Coren strongly defended the casting of a Jewish actress, stating: “How dare they have a Jewish woman play a Jewish woman? Whatever next?”
He expressed concern about deeper issues underlying the controversy.
“There’s an attempt to expunge the Jewishness of Jesus and that has led to anti-Semitism – that worries me deeply,” he said on GB News.
While acknowledging Palestinians’ right to be angry in the current climate, he noted: “We wouldn’t say this about a Russian actor or a Chinese actor.”
The film has received harsh criticism for its artistic merits, with one reviewer calling it “the worst film of the year.”
Anthony Hopkins’ performance as King Herod has drawn particular attention, with critics noting he “barks through his scenes while pounding a staff and looking miserable.”
The film features Gabriel, played by British boxer/model Dudley O’Shaughnessy, portrayed as what critics describe as a “wafty sex pest.”
The lighting and colour grading have been called “hideous” by reviewers, with the overall production described as “one big bad choice built from thousands of smaller ones.”
Coren dismissed Christian outrage over the film, stating it’s “just an ordinary movie that will be forgotten in a few weeks.”
His criticism focused on the film’s lack of impact rather than any controversial elements.
The film joins Netflix’s list of controversial releases this year, following “Baby Reindeer” and “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”
Despite the controversies, Netflix remains in strong financial health, with its share price at an all-time high and recent success at the Emmy Awards.