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MARCELLUS

By David John JEFFERY

Drama - Pre-Production 2026

Marcellus In 65 AD, after the burning of Rome, a Roman Tribune tasked with capturing and crucifying Christians, infiltrates a caravan of traveling Christians and learns what their faith really means.

- Year of production
- 2026
- Genres
- Drama, Historical
- Countries
- UNITED KINGDOM
- Languages
- ENGLISH, HEBREW
- Budget
- 5 - 10 M$
- Duration
- 120 mn
- Director(s)
- David John JEFFERY
- Writer(s)
- Lance NESS
- Producer(s)
- David John JEFFERY (INVISIBLE SWORD LTD)
- Synopsis
- Under the blazing sun in Galilee, an elderly man screams as Roman soldiers nail him to a cross. His neighbors stare in horror and confusion. They cannot understand how such a good man could have been a Christian.
  
  One of the men present, a Tribune named MARCELLUS, is a loyal and dedicated Roman, honors the gods, and finds his faith quite satisfying.
  
  When the city of Rome burns in 65 A.D. Marcellus and his friend find themselves transferred to the city of Corinth; a hot spot for Christian activity. Corinth is not prestigious but these two men revel in the change; for them it's salvation.
  
  Soon after his arrival Marcellus encounters an old friend and father figure, SEPTIMUS. He invites Marcellus to visit the caravan he is traveling with. During one visit the caravan leader, LEVI, throws himself upon a poisonous serpent, saving Marcellus’ life.
  
  Marcellus raids a Christian place of worship but find it abandoned. Marcellus realizes Septimus must have betrayed him. He searches but finds the caravan has vanished.
  
  Later Marcellus receives a message from Septimus asking for a meeting. They meet and Septimus invites Marcellus to join the caravan to learn about Christianity.
  
  Marcellus joins a caravan and sees things he did not anticipate. Christians are not barbarians. Many are loving people trying to survive, spread their faith, and live by strong moral standards in the midst of the decadent Roman Empire. He hears the powerful witness of Septimus, Levi, the disciple JOHN, a young legionnaire deserter named QUNITAS, a woman named VALENTINA, and an elderly woman known as “GRAMMA.” For the first time in his life Marcellus questions his beliefs as he learns the good news of Christ.
  
  Marcellus converts to Christianity, vowing to leave his old life behind. Marcellus and Valentina discuss the possibility of marriage.
  
  Unfortunately a Roman governor has sent troops to find them. Marcellus rides to the soldiers and leads them away, buying the caravan time to escape.
  
  Marcellus is captured, tried, confesses his faith and is sentenced to death.
  
  As he hangs on the cross, Quintas, Septimus, John and Valentina approach him. John blesses him. Valentina confesses her love for him. Marcellus replies he loves her to. Septimus says, “I love you son.” Marcellus responds with, “I love you Papa.”
  
  Marcellus and other crucified Christians say the Lord’s prayer as the picture fades to black screen.