After Decades of Silence, Scorsese Finally Returns to His 'Jesus' Project — A Black-and-White Reflection on Faith and Time

After decades away from the idea, Martin Scorsese is finally bringing his long-gestating project, The Life of Jesus, closer to fruition. The legendary filmmaker, known for his deep explorations of human nature, revealed more about this intimate film during his lifetime achievement award speech at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where he has family roots.

Unlike his recent big-budget works, The Life of Jesus will be a modest, black-and-white film reflecting Scorsese’s desire to explore faith with a fresh, contemporary lens. Based on Shusaku Endo’s 1973 novel, it won’t be a traditional biopic or documentary but a contemplative piece capturing the essence of Jesus’s core teachings without preaching. At about 80 minutes, it aims to offer a thoughtful meditation on spirituality, stripping away the usual trappings of organized religion to make it more accessible.

Scorsese is taking his time crafting the script with Kent Jones, ensuring the film maintains the depth such a subject demands. Inspired by Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew — a black-and-white classic that once made him hesitate to pursue his own Jesus film — Scorsese now embraces monochrome as perfect for his vision. The choice underscores the timeless nature of the story.

This project marks a deeply personal and artistically bold return for Scorsese, contrasting with the blockbusters of recent decades. With The Life of Jesus, he seeks to create a humble, profound film inviting reflection rather than spectacle. After years in silence, fans hope the wait will be worth it.