Variety recently reported that Bette Midler and Brit pop sensation Pixie Lott were joining the ’70s set religious comedy “Sweet Baby Jesus” and quoted producer, Philippe Rebboah who said, “There are a lot more surprises to be announced on the cast, especially for the role of Joe. We are signing other great actors, yet to be announced.” Well, it looks like Deadline got the proverbial cat out of the bag.
Sam Rockwell is apparently eyeing the role of Joe, “a guy who finds himself accompanying his pregnant teenage girlfriend to Bethlehem, Maryland. His girlfriend’s name is Mary (Lott) and soon the town is agog that it’s about to witness the Second Coming.” Midler is set to play the “innkeeper” Eleanor in the reconstructed Jesus comedy, while Kim Cattrall will play Mary’s mother Darlene.
It’s a pretty high concept comedy, but with Peter Hewitt (“Garfield,” “Thunderpants”) behind the camera we’re not exactly optimistic about the prospect of this one. Apparently, the soundtrack will boast a plethora of music from the ’70s and play an important role in the film. Shooting takes place this summer in Maryland and Ireland.
