NETFLIX’S ‘MESSIAH’ TO FILM IN NM
Political thriller TV series will star Michelle Monaghan.
The Netflix-New Mexico partnership continues to grow.
The streaming giant has chosen the Land of Enchantment for a home base to produce film and TV productions.
The latest is the TV series “Messiah,” on which production will begin in early June and continue through mid-August.
The series stars Michelle Monaghan, and was created by writer and executive producer Michael Petroni.
“Messiah” is a political thriller that chronicles the world’s reaction to a man who emerges from the Middle East creating a groundswell of followers who claim he is sent from God — which causes civil havoc.
The series will run for 10 episodes, and the story will be told from multiple character viewpoints, including a U.S. intelligence agent, a Palestinian refugee, an Israeli Shin Bet officer, and a Latino preacher and his daughter.
Monaghan will play Eva Geller, a U.S. intelligence officer who is pitted against Al-Masih, played by Mehdi Dehbi — an incendiary religious-political figure emerging out of Syria whose influence is growing.
Tomer Sisley and Jackson Hurst also star.
“We’re proud to welcome another TV series to New Mexico,” said state Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “Once again, New Mexico will serve as a double for an overseas location and show the world that we’re the leading location for TV productions.”
According to the Film Office, filming will take place in Albuquerque, Mountainair, Estancia, Belen, Santa Fe and Clines Corners.
The production will employ about 500 New Mexico crew members, 40 New Mexico actors and about 1,800 New Mexico background talent workers, the Film Office said.
“We want to thank ‘Messiah’ for shooting in Albuquerque; you will have a great time experiencing our unique, multicultural city,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “This production will be using hundreds of our talented local crew and acting talent, and will bring business to our local stores and restaurants.”
“Messiah” will be directed by James McTeigue, who will also be executive producer, along with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and Andrew Deane.
Burnett is behind the TV miniseries “The Bible” and “Son of God.” He is also behind the longrunning series “Survivor.”
Downey starred in “The Bible” and “Touched by an Angel.”
A few previous Netflix productions in New Mexico include “Longmire,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “Godless.”