A few years ago writer Donna Woolfolk Cross published a novel titled “Pope Joan” which chronicled the life of Johanna von Ingelheim, a woman who supposedly disguised herself as a man and, in the 850’s, reigned as Pope for approximately three years between the papacies of Leo IV and Benedict III. The story has long been considered legend but Cross weaves a captivating story and I was thrilled to hear that the film was being adapted for the screen. There have been a few setbacks (legal issues with John Goodman and Franka Potente dropping out of the title role) in the production but it looks like things have finally come together and now we have the first trailer for the film.

So it’s not really much of a trailer but it is a teaser and the first we’ve seen of the film which is being directed by Sönke Wortmann, and though it doesn’t give you much to go on, I’m sure you can figure out who the caped figure is. The film, a German production, stars Johanna Wokalek as Joan, David Wenham (of 300 and Lord of the Rings) as Gerold her confidant and Goodman as Pope Sergius. Let me say this about the casting: I didn’t have any idea what Joan would look like but Wokalek looks perfect in the role.

I’m hopeful that the casting is enough of a sell for someone to pick this up for North American distribution but I’m not holding by breath; I have a feeling we may not get a chance to see this on the big screen which will be a real shame since it looks gorgeous.

Pope Joan is scheduled for release in Germany on October 29th.

Pope Joan Movie Still [ 0:01 | 7.46 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup