“Risen” takes an imaginative approach to the New Testament accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, who the Bible describes as being resurrected from the dead three days later. The new film is told from the perspective of a fictional top Roman military official who oversees Jesus’ death on a cross.

The unbelieving tribune, named Clavius, is commanded by Pontius Pilate “to find the body, dispel rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem,” according to a press release. Clavius is assisted in his mission by Lucius, another “abiblical” character. Lucius is portrayed by Tom Felton, popular for his role as the pernicious Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” film series.

The press release itself presents “Risen” as a sort of continuation to “Passion of the Christ,” although promoters do not directly refer to the film by its name: “Twelve years after the blockbuster film about Jesus’ crucifixion and many others like it, RISEN picks up where that film dropped off in the biblical story of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.”

Christian Post Full Article: ‘Risen,’ New Movie About Jesus’ Resurrection, Linked to Mel Gibson’s Massively Successful and Gritty ‘Passion of the Christ’