On The Scene: Netflix Hosts ‘Messiah’ Reception

On January 1^st, 2020 Netflix will be releasing its new drama “Messiah.” 

The cast gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate the upcoming release of the series. Cast members Michelle Monaghan, John Ortiz, Beau Bridges, Mehdi Dehbi, Tomer Sisley, Melinda Page Hamilton, Stefania LaVie Owen, Sayyid El Alami, Jane Adams, Wil Traval and Fares Landoulsi and Tomer Sisley joined creator Michael Petroni and directors James McTeigue and Kate Woods for a special reception and of course The Knockturnal was on the scene.

The story revolves around a young man named al Masih, in the Middle East, who others believe to be the second coming of Christ or the Messiah. He is seen across the world performing “miracles” of sorts, which some people believe wholeheartedly and others believe they are being conned. A CIA agent, Eva Geller, played by Michelle Monaghan is sent to go investigate whether he is divine or if he is a very talented con artist leading masses to believe a lie.

Another character in this story is a preacher in Texas named Felix. Felix is played by John Ortiz known for his roles in films like Fast and Furious. “I loved the script and I was the first actor that they saw, I wrote them a letter and told them I didn’t need to see anything else. That if they wanted me I was all in, a few days later I was cast.” When asked about his connection to Christ or any faith he said. “I grew up Roman Catholic, not very strict but I was baptized and did my First Communion. We take our son to church, not every Sunday and nothing like Felix. So, when I was cast I felt like I needed to do some research so I read the Bible. The whole thing and went to Texas and spent some time with a congregation down there.” While the plot is driven by religion, there is something in there for everyone. In John’s perspective “I think what’ll draw them are the questions the characters face, the viewer will have the same experience. It’s also a great geo-political thriller and it can stand on its own as just that. It’s extremely relatable it’s done in a realistic way, there no fantastical element that will distance the viewer. It’s very grounded, it’s a great mystery of is he or isn’t he. That question will have viewers glued in in a visceral way.”

Wil Traval who plays Will Matthews in the show was the second person cast for this series. “Wil Traval does not have a faith, I have faith in mankind but not in a divine creator. I just got through watching all ten episodes. I saw a show that was about unifying people’s differences instead of identifying their differences. So if you don’t have faith the question really is: How do you connect with your brother or sister next to you even though you have different beliefs? If you’re someone like me who’s an atheist or faithless, then you’re going to look at it and see the opportunity to accept, acknowledge, incorporate and love someone else for their differences. It’s a weird thing when I don’t care what you believe, as long as you believe in us.”

Getty Images for Netflix