Legendary director Martin Scorsese is set to take on a new project that may surprise some of his fans. Scorsese has agreed to spearhead a documentary series about Christian saints for Fox Nation, the subscription streaming service run by Fox News Media.
The series, titled “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” is set to begin airing in November and will be hosted, narrated, and executive produced by Scorsese himself. The acclaimed director, known for films like “Taxi Driver” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” will delve into the stories of eight saints, including Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi, and Thomas Becket.
In a statement, Scorsese expressed his deep connection to the stories of the saints, saying, “I’ve lived with the stories of the saints for most of my life, thinking about their words and actions, imagining the worlds they inhabited, the choices they faced, the examples they set.”
The series, created by Matti Leshem, will feature re-enactments of the saints’ stories as well as on-camera discussions with experts. Four episodes are set to stream on Nov. 16, with the remaining episodes to be released in May 2025. The series is directed by Elizabeth Chomko and written by Kent Jones.
Scorsese’s exploration of Christianity in his work is not new, but it has sometimes been controversial. His 1988 film, “The Last Temptation of Christ,” faced backlash from religious groups for its depiction of Jesus questioning his divinity. Despite this, Scorsese remains fascinated by the subject and has even completed a screenplay for a new film about Jesus, based on the book “A Life of Jesus” by Shusaku Endo.
With “The Saints,” Scorsese continues to push boundaries and explore complex themes through the lens of faith. The series is sure to spark discussion and provide a unique perspective on the lives of these revered figures.
