Three years on from the release of his critically-acclaimed film, Elvis, Baz Luhrmann is coming back with another biopic. This time around, the Australian filmmaker is trading Vegas-set tales of glitz and glamour for a gritty historical story.
Warner Bros. confirmed late last year that Baz is working on a film based on the life of Joan of Arc, titled Jehanne D’Arc, the script for which he wrote alongside playwrite Ava Pickett.
A casting call for the title character went out in September 2024, but the director recently told Deadline that he’s yet to lock in his Joan. However, that hasn’t stopped the internet from speculating on who might nab the role.
“What we have on paper is a career-defining role that requires the right qualities, skill set, and an ability to capture the essence of youth in this moment,” Baz told Deadline. Anyone spring to mind?
Scroll on for everything we know about the project so far, including the names who have been thrown around online regarding casting.
What Will Jehanne d’Arc Be About?
At this point, it’s not entirely clear what route Baz and his team will take in telling the story of one of history’s most famous heroines.
The filmmaker is known for epic, often eclectic blockbusters, including his 1996 adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo + Juliet, which was set in the fictional, urban setting of Verona Beach; as well as Moulin Rouge, and 2013’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
From various quotes Baz has given, it seems he will cover the life story of the French peasant, who believed God had sent her to lead an army, from her early teens to her military victories and execution, when she was burned at the stake at just 19-years-old.
Speaking to Deadline, Baz described the story of Jehanne d’Arc as being, “About a clash between generations, between the haves and have-nots.”
The director added, “Ava [Pickett] and I have been working together for the past year, deeply inspired by Blood Red, Sister Rose, a novel of Jehanne’s life by the renowned Australian writer Thomas Keneally, the author of Schindler’s List. Our research has taken us from Domrémy, Jehanne’s birthplace, to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, to Kettering where I learned how to ride on a horse in full armour with the team at Historic Equitation, as well as a very emotional trip to Rouen, where Jehanne was imprisoned and where the Church of Saint Joan of Arc stands with a cross on the site of Jehanne’s death at the age of 19.”
Who Will Play Joan of Arc In the Baz Luhrmann Biopic?
The director has made it clear he’s yet to cast his Joan, and told Deadline the role, “Requires the right qualities, skill set, and an ability to capture the essence of youth in this moment.”
Fans of Jenna Ortega have flagged the Wednesday star as someone they’d love to see take the job.
In an interview with Letterboxd last year, the actress said Joan would be a “dream character” for her to play, citing the 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc as “a movie that inspires me greatly.”
Other names springing up across social media include Cailee Spaeny, Zendaya (who could forget her Joan of Arc-inspired Met Gala look from 2018?), Bella Ramsey and Lily-Rose Depp (who can speak French fluently).
Jehanne d’Arc Release Date
Given the title character is yet to be cast and filming hasn’t begun, we’ll likely be waiting a while for Jehanne d’Arc to land on our screens.
Baz told Deadline that the start date for production depends on the casting of the pivotal role.
Watch here for updates.
