Joaquin Phoenix considered for Jesus role in 'Mary Magdalene'

tor Joaquin Phoenix is being considered as a leading contender to play Jesus in Garth Davis' 'Mary Magdalene,'

joining Rooney Mara in the cast. The film's production company See-Saw Films, which is teaming with Universal Pictures Intl Productions on the project, is in early talks with the actor's representatives, reported Variety.

Phoenix, 41, has been nominated for an Oscar three times for 'Gladiator,' 'Walk the Line' and 'The Master' and was nominated five times for a Golden Globe. 'Mary Magdalene' is being produced by See-Saw's Iain Canning and Emile Sherman, whose credits include 'The King's Speech.' Film4 co-developed the film with See-Saw. Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett penned the script to 'Mary Magdalene,' which is described as "an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history". Production is set to begin in the summer for an anticipated release in 2017.