‘The Book of Clarence’ Cast and Character Guide — Who Stars in the Comedy?

For much of Hollywood’s 1950s and early 1960s, a staple genre was the biblical epic. Classic films likeThe Ten Commandments,Ben-Hur, orThe Robedrew large crowds and weaved together intricate stories of honor, betrayal, and faith. However, the 21st century has seen very few films that fit this genre. Though it looks like we might have to wait a little while longer for a big-budget epic,The Book of Clarenceis going to bring a much-needed satireto the entire genre.

Mirroring other religious satires likeMonty Python’s Life of Brian, this new comedy follows Clarence, a down-on-his-luck Jerusalem native who decides to take advantage of the new messianic craze and become a preacher. Directed byJeymes Samuel(The Harder They Fall), the film is set to bethe first great comedy of the year, with a cast of veterans and newcomers to pack a real punch.

Cropped poster of the cast of The Book of Clarence around table reminiscent of Leonardo Da Vinci’s last supper mural of Jesus and His disciples

Where To Watch ‘The Book of Clarence’: Find Showtimes Near You

The star-studded biblical comedy-drama lands this January.

LaKeith Stanfield as Clarence/Thomas/Peter

Lakeith Stanfieldplays Clarence, a street hustler living in 33 AD Jerusalem, and finds himself hitting rock bottom while Jesus Christ is making a name for himself as the new Messiah. Disapproved of by his mother and saddled with debts, he risks everything to carve out a life for himself andbecome the new messiah through less-than-honest means.Stanfield also portrays Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, and Clarence’s twin brother, who abandoned their mother in order to become an apostle. Stanfield first rose to prominence for his roles in indie features likeShort Term 12andDope. Since then, he received an Oscar nomination in the historical thrillerJudas and the Black Messiahand starred in critically acclaimed indies like Sorry to Bother You and Uncut Gems.

Omar Sy as Barabbas

Omar Syplays Barabbas, who, according to the New Testament, was a prisoner chosen over Jesus to be pardoned and released by Pontius Pilate at the Passover feast. In this story, he is freed by Clarence and subsequently becomes a messenger for his word. A star of French cinema, most American filmgoers first saw him in the inspirational French comedy-dramaIntouchables. He has since gained international stardom with his role in Netflix’s ongoing seriesLupin, where he plays Assane Diop, a master thief. Sy is also set to star inShadow Force, an upcoming action thriller, alongsideKerry Washington.

Anna Diop as Varinia

Anna Diopplays Varinia, Clarence’s love interest and Jedediah’s sister. Though Clarence is madly in love with her, Varinia keeps him at arm’s length, and her distance becomes one of many reasons for his need to turn his life around. Diop’s first major role was on the CW supernatural seriesThe Messenger. Since then, she has starred in the superhero seriesTitansas Starfire, an extraterrestrial royal from the planet Tamaran who can absorb and redirect solar energy. Outside of television, she headlined the Amazon psychological thrillerNanny.

RJ Cyler as Elijah

RJ Cylerplays Elijah, Clarence’s best friend and business partner who teams up with Elijah, Zeke, and Barabbas to spread his gospel across the region. Cyler first came to prominence for his role inMe, Earl, and the Dying Girl, and has since starred in several television shows, includingI’m Dying Up HereandScream: Resurrection. He currently stars on the Max comedy series,Rap Sh!t.

David Oyelowo as John the Baptist

David Oyelowoplays John the Baptist, who is most known as the forerunner of Jesus in Christianity as he preached about God’s Final Judgement and performed baptisms. In the film, he is portrayed as an enemy to Clarence who cannot tolerate his new theology. Most moviegoers will recognize Oyelowo for his turn as Martin Luther King Jr. inAva Duvernay’s powerful biopic,Selma. Since then, he has starred in several acclaimed films, includingQueen of KatweandSee How They Run. This year, he will star alongsideKaley Cuocoin the action comedyRole Play.

Micheal Ward as Judas Iscariot

Micheal Wardplays Judas Iscariot. Having become the synonym for traitor. Judas was one of the original twelve apostles who betrayed Jesus and led him to be crucified. He meets Clarence when he is vying for a position as the 13th Apostle and subsequently challenges him to free all the gladiator slaves. Ward is most famous for starring inSam Mendes’Empire of LightalongsideOlivia Colman. This year, he will star alongsideBill NighyinThe Beautiful Game.

Alfre Woodard as Mother Mary

Alfre Woodardplays Mother Mary, the down-to-earth mother of Jesus Christ. Though Clarence enjoys her company and believes her to be pure of heart, he has a lot of doubts about her “immaculate conception” story. Woodard has been a pillar of American independent cinema since the early 1990s with legendary performances in movies likePassion Fish,Crooklyn, andHow to Make an American Quilt. She recently starred in the Marvel seriesLuke Cageand is set to star in an adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel Salem’s Lot.

Teyana Taylor as Mary Magdalene

Teyana Taylorplays Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus who was one of the witnesses of his Crucifixion and the first person to see him after the Resurrection. InThe Book of Clarence, she competes with the eponymous hero in a chariot race, hoping to wipe his debt and restore his honor. Primarily known as a singer and dancer who collaborated with hip-hop giants likeKanye WestandBeyoncé, she has cemented herself as a serious actress thanks to her critically acclaimed role in last year’sA Thousand and One.

Caleb McLaughlin as Zeke

Caleb McLaughlinplays Zeke, one of Clarence’s followers, along with Barabbas and Elijah, who is more than happy to spread his fake messianic stories. Most audiences will recognize McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair inStranger Things. Apart from TV, he has also starred alongsideIdris ElbainConcrete Cowboy.

James McAvoy as Pontius Pilate

James McAvoyplays Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus and ultimately ordered his crucifixion. As a non-pagan preacher himself, Clarence also becomes a target of Pontius Pilate’s wrath. McAvoy started in acclaimed British period pieces likeThe Last King of ScotlandandAtonement. Since then, he has starred in several blockbusters, includingX-Men: First ClassandSplit,and acclaimed indies like The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby and My Son. He is set to star inJames Watkins’psychological horror filmSpeak No Evil.

Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus Christ

Nicholas Pinnockplays Jesus Christ, the first-century preacher and religious leader who became the central figure of Christianity and the target of Clarence’s ire, frustration, and jealousy. Pinnock is best known for his roles as Aaron Wallace in the acclaimed seriesFor LifeandFortitudeandMarcella.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Benjamin

Benedict Cumberbatchplays Benjamin, a character who shows up in the third act of this biblical satire. A beggar turned wannabe messiah, Cumberbatch adds another level of comedy to this epic tale. Since the start of his career, Cumberbatch has had success in both TV and film with shows likeSherlockand movies likeThe Imitation Game, which earned him his first Oscar nomination. Cumberbatch has also received commercial success through his role inDoctor Strange.