Mark Ruffalo, nominated for an Oscar in 2023 for Poor Things, is heading back to Europe for his next bold project. He is set to play a morally complex investigator in Santo Subito!, a Vatican-set thriller based on a true story, directed by French director Bertrand Bonello (The Beast, Saint Laurent).
The co-writer is Thomas Bidegain, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work on “Emilia Pérez” and “Santo Subito!”. Ruffalo will star as Father Joseph Mulolo, an American-born priest who is summoned by the Vatican as a “devil’s advocate” to investigate the life of Pope John Paul II and his potential for sainthood. Set in the aftermath of the Pope’s death on April 2, 2005, the film follows Mulolo as he navigates a “moral labyrinth” that interviews confidants and witnesses and ultimately tests his faith.
Filming for “Santo Subito!” will begin on March 9th in Italy and Poland. Playtime, a Vuelta group company, will be participating in the international sales of the project and will introduce the film to buyers at the American Film Market, along with American representatives Christine D’Souza Gelb of 2AM and Lena Ronson of UTA.
European studio Vuelta is also backing the ambitious project, underscoring its ambitions to build on its track record with high-profile international films following Alexander Payne’s Somewhere Out There, which was acquired by Searchlight Pictures before filming began.
“Santo Subito!” is produced by thriving companies throughout Europe, including the French Mandarin & Company (“Alpha”, “Monsieur Aznavour”). In Italy, there is another label owned by Vuelta, Indiana Production (“Romeo Is Juliet”). and Madanz (“High Life”) in Poland.
The story, which has been teased as both a thriller and a theological reckoning, “must do nothing to undermine the sanctification of Karol Wojtyla, the first non-Italian pope in 450 years. As Mulolo interviews witnesses ranging from devoted colleagues to secret confidants, he becomes increasingly drawn into a moral labyrinth. This journey of truth ultimately tests his own faith,” the synopsis reads.
Playtime partner Nicolas Brigeau-Robert, who is in charge of international sales and co-producer of the film, promoted it as “Santo Subito!” So that you can be mentally immersed. “This film provides a true behind-the-scenes look into the world of the Vatican, while also taking us into deeper realms of faith and values. The script itself is a page-turner, and it’s hard to imagine that any audience will be left uninterested in Father Mulolo’s journey,” Brigeau-Robert said, predicting that “Ruffalo will bring the depth and intensity that this character deserves.”
Mandarin veteran producer Eric Altmaier highlighted the global reach of the story, saying, “We are incredibly proud to be able to tell this universal story that raises intimate questions, told by a great filmmaker.” Mandarin has produced more than 70 films, including François Ozon’s By the Grace of God, Michel Hazanavicius’ OSS 117, Anne Fontaine’s Chocolat, and Bonello’s Saint Laurent, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
For the Vuelta, the Vatican machinations have strategic importance. “We are honored to partner with visionary producers Mandarin and Madanz on ‘Santo Subito!,’ the first project that embodies Vuelta’s 360-degree European studio approach,” said CCO David Atran Jackson. “Combining the extraordinary talents of Bertrand Bonello and Thomas Bidegain with the magnetic presence of Mark Ruffalo, there is no better film to express Vuelta’s ambition and belief in the creative power of film that speaks to the world.”
The roster below the line highlights the project’s pedigree of prestige, featuring cinematographer José Deshayes (The Beast, Saint Laurent), art director Dimitri Capuani (Io Capitano), costume designer Edoardo Russo (Diamanti, Hand of God), and sound designer Nicolas Cantin (Father Mother Sister Brother). Alessandro Mascheroni (“5 Seconds,” “Human Capital”) will serve as executive producer.
One of France’s most celebrated writers, Bonello has submitted three films to Cannes’ official competition: “Tiresia” (2003), “House of Tolerance” (2011) and “Saint Laurent” (2014). In 2023, he premiered The Beast, a dystopian romance starring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, in Venice and Toronto.
Ruffalo is repped by Lighthouse Management and Media, UTA, Relevant, and Keith Klevan.
Playtime will start selling “Santos Vito!” The American Film Market will also include Nanni Moretti’s “It Will Happen Tonight,” Emmanuel Courcol’s “Greenland” and Rafa Cobos’ “Golpe,” as well as “Indiana and the Otter”, a family adventure from the producer of “Mia and the White Lion.”
