Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann has spent over 30 years developing a film about the legendary Joan of Arc. The project is finally moving forward after Luhrmann secured backing from Warner Bros. The historical epic will focus on themes of empowering youth and societal change that still resonate today.
Luhrmann hopes to refresh the iconic story of Joan of Arc for contemporary times. He will draw from Thomas Keneally’s novel “Blood Red, Sister Rose” for source material. The film aims to portray Joan not just as a religious figure, but as a teenage girl who must find her identity during a time of war.
Joan of Arc led the French army to a major victory against English forces at Orléans in 1429 at a young age. Tragically, she faced execution for heresy just two years later. Luhrmann sees parallels between the challenges Joan faced and issues important to youth today. He wants the film to inspire new generations to “make space, lift up the new voices and the new energy.”
Luhrmann’s wife and creative partner Catherine Martin has visited historic sites in France to research the film’s design. Her findings challenge previous ideas about Joan’s background. Contrary to descriptions of Joan as a shepherdess, Martin learned Joan’s father was actually the town leader and they owned the only stone house. This suggests Joan came from a more influential family than commonly thought.
The casting process is still ongoing as Luhrmann searches for an actress who can capture the essence of the courageous teenage Joan. When complete, the film will join past adaptations like Luc Besson’s “The Messenger” but do so through Luhrmann’s distinctive visual style and focus on empowering themes.
