Kingdom Come epic appears to be a goner

Barring a comeback of biblical proportions, the proposed Hollywood movie Kingdom Come now appears to have come and gone.

While an official announcement has yet to be made, there are grave fears the movie about the life of Jesus Christ is about to be canned.

It is understood investors are nervous because American networks have been reluctant to buy the film, despite assurances from filmmakers that the project will go ahead.

The United States-based publicist for the picture, Ernie Malik, said an announcement was due to be made yesterday but had been delayed. The production company is believed to have already spent about $60 million in New Zealand, including several million on a set and props in the South Island. Moteliers in Twizel have had bookings cancelled and an email they received this week said the movie was no longer going ahead.

Falstone, near Timaru, was to have become Capernaum, a 3000-year-old fishing village, and nearby Lake Benmore the Sea of Galilee in the movie. At its peak the set had at least 100 contractors on site but there had been no more work since before Christmas. At other planned locations, half-built sets lie empty, contractors are retrieving their gear and workers say their daily bread dried up months ago.

- © Fairfax NZ News