Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese, recognized for his impactful films and remarkable storytelling, is now venturing into hallowed territory with a unique exploration of sainthood. In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that Scorsese will don multiple hats as host, narrator, and producer for a captivating eight-part docudrama series titled “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” set to stream on Fox Nation.
This docudrama will allow viewers to journey through the dynamic and inspiring lives of eight beatified individuals who have left indelible marks on history and humanity. Among the sanctified subjects of the series are renowned figures such as Joan of Arc, who led French forces to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War; Francis of Assisi, the Italian Catholic friar known for his love of all creatures and a patron saint of animals and the environment; and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury whose defiance of King Henry II led to his martyrdom.
Also highlighted in the series will be Mary Magdalene, a key follower of Jesus Christ and a prominent figure in the Christian faith, and Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar who exemplified supreme self-sacrifice by volunteering to die at Auschwitz in place of a stranger, a father in a family. These narratives paint a portrait of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith, attributes that have resonated across centuries and continue to inspire to this day.
The series eagerly anticipated by both historical enthusiasts and the faithful is set for a staggered release. The initial four episodes are scheduled to make their premiere in November, while the concluding four segments will be unveiled by May 2025. Viewers can expect a unique combination of drama and documentary, woven together masterfully under the direction of Scorsese, who brings his signature cinematic flair to this spiritual anthology.
Revisiting a personal crossroad, Scorsese’s connection with religious themes is deeply rooted in his own life’s journey. Once positioned to enter the priesthood—not an atypical path in his Little Italy, New York upbringing—Scorsese’s pivot to the cinematic arts did not divorce him from the spiritual narrative. His contemplation of faith and morality has been a recurring undertone in several of his works, including the controversial and profound “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988) and the solemn “Silence” (2016).
Continuing his rich engagement with themes of spirituality, Scorsese has also disclosed to the Los Angeles Times earlier in January that his next filmmaking venture will be an adaptation of Shusaku Endo’s novel, ‘A Life of Jesus.’ This upcoming film is set to delve into the complex and profoundly human portrayal of Jesus Christ, following the successful depiction of Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan in “Silence.”
With this latest project, “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” Scorsese invites the audience into a world where the human and the divine intersect, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who have been venerated for centuries. The series promises to strike a balance between the reverence of its subjects and the dramatic tension inherent in their compelling stories, with the high-quality production values characteristic of Scorsese’s distinguished body of work.
In an era where streaming services are continuously expanding their horizons, Fox Nation’s collaboration with Martin Scorsese stands out as a bold and innovative venture. Both the network and the acclaimed director are charting new territory, transcending conventional formats, and tapping into the zeitgeist of an audience yearning for content that is as educational as it is entertaining. The project exemplifies a synergy of faith, history, and impeccable filmmaking, making “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints” a potentially transformative contribution to both English and world cinema.
