Zero AD Synopsis:
King Herod the Great (Jim Caviezel), a ruthless ruler, learns of a prophecy foretelling a child who will one day challenge his authority. Driven by fear and a desperate need to maintain his power, he orders the brutal execution of all male infants in Bethlehem. A young Virgin Mary (Deva Cassel) and Joseph (Jamie Ward) race against time to protect their newborn son, Jesus, from Herod's deadly decree.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Release Date: In theaters December 19th, 2025
Zero AD Fun Facts:
A "Spiritual Thriller":
Zero AD, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, who is well known for directing the movie "Sound of Freedom," is promoted as a "spiritual thriller." This is a shift from standard biblical dramas to emphasize tension and suspense as Mary and Joseph attempt to escape King Herod's soldiers.
Third Collaboration:
This movie is the third collaboration between director Alejandro Monteverde and Angel Studios; the first two movies were "Sound of Freedom" (2023), which was a massive success, and "Cabrini" (2024), which was a box-office bomb.
A New Title for an Old Story:
The movie was originally titled "Bethlehem," and later it was retitled "Zero A.D."
The Passion of the Christ Connection:
Jim Caviezel, known for his famous role as Jesus in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" (2004), makes a comeback to the biblical film genre as King Herod the Great. This decision for casting is significant because of his earlier iconic performance.
From Blockbuster Hits to Biblical Epics:
The lineup includes many well-known actors from other Blockbuster hits, such as Sam Worthington (Avatar), Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises), and Gael GarcĂa Bernal (Old).
Filmed in a Historic Location:
The main filming for the movie was shot in Morocco during November 2024. This North African country is a favored site for filming historical and biblical stories because of its breathtaking scenery and well-maintained historical architecture.