description The Two Popes (2019) Overview
"The Two Popes" is a 2019 biographical drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten, adapted from McCarten's stage play "The Pope." The narrative imagines a series of private, philosophical conversations between Pope Benedict XVI, played by Anthony Hopkins, and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, played by Jonathan Pryce, leading up to Benedict's historic resignation in 2013. Exploring themes of tradition, progress, and personal guilt, the film was distributed globally by Netflix. It received positive reviews from critics and earned three nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Hopkins.
insights Ranking position
The Two Popes (2019) ranks #63 of 230 in the Biographical Film ranking, behind Zero Dark Thirty (2012), ahead of Ray (2004).
help The Two Popes (2019) FAQ
Who plays Pope Francis and Pope Benedict in The Two Popes?
Anthony Hopkins portrays Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce plays Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, in the 2019 film directed by Fernando Meirelles. Both actors received Academy Award nominations for their performances.
Is The Two Popes based on real events?
The Two Popes dramatizes the real transition of papal power from Benedict XVI to Pope Francis following Benedict's resignation in 2013—the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. The specific private conversations between the two men are fictionalized by screenwriter Anthony McCarten, based on their public writings and known biographies.
Was The Two Popes a Netflix original film?
Yes, The Two Popes was distributed by Netflix in 2019, though it received a limited theatrical run before streaming. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival prior to its Netflix release.
What source material did Anthony McCarten use for The Two Popes?
Screenwriter Anthony McCarten adapted The Two Popes from his own stage play titled The Pope, which dramatized the relationship between Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio. McCarten researched extensively from the two men's published writings, speeches, and public biographies to construct the fictionalized dialogue.
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