Continues Pearl, “It’s an ensemble piece, and so in doing that, the challenge was how to create the 12 disciples. How do you make them all distinctive and unique, give them all personalities, and yet, have them band together? Again, because of the way that we cast, and because of hair, makeup and wardrobe, we really created twelve distinct individuals. I think it’s going to be interesting for audiences as this will be one of the first times the disciples really have become their own characters. You get to understand who a Nathanael was; who were John, Andrew and Philip. If you look at movies from the past where the disciples are portrayed, they are all interchangeable. They look the same, they sound the same; there is nothing about them that gives you a sense of them as individual young men.”

“We were very cognizant of trying to create a film that reflects these men; Jesus and the journey at the time it was unfolding. We have the benefit of history now to go back to and reflect upon. At the time, they were a bunch of young guys who really didn’t know what was going on except that they were drawn to this man, his teachings and what he was saying. They were, in some cases, uneducated, rough around the edges and willing to believe. They were fisherman, carpenters and laborers. We tried to make this a very human and natural performance. I think it’s key to the success and truism of this piece.”

Adds Pearl, “For Philip (Saville), the story is about the relationship between a father and son. It is also the story of a man and his group of followers who ultimately become his support and foundation. In casting this, we looked for guys who would come off as authentic and real people, not holier than thou. We wanted real, vulnerable guys who would be convincing in their bond with this man. After all, they agree to follow this person for up to three years.”

Pearl believes that the process of transferring this literal version of "The Gospel of John" onto film had an effect upon the production team and crew, as this was the re-telling of a story unlike any other, one that is imbued with incredible significance and whose messages still resonate today.

Observes Pearl, “I think people were invested in this because it is such a unique project. It is a movie, but there is something special about it. Regardless if you are a believer or not, if you take it purely as a story – and a great story – the words and lessons that one reaps from it, maybe it’s because of the times we are living in now, mean something. And that’s what you hear among many of the crew members. Day to day they listened to the words, they heard it and it resonated with them. It made them stop and think or feel like they are working on something of real consequence. It is a job, but it’s more than just another job. I think there is something profound about that.”

“The commitment of everyone involved didn’t lag. Spain was thrilling but grueling … very grueling and challenging. The good news was we had magnificent locations, but the logistics and weather was trying. In some ways, it was very primitive. Everybody rose to the occasion with no complaints. They did it, they delivered and the end result is going to be worth it, but it was not easy. We were tested right up to the last night of the shoot when it rained at 3:30 in the morning. Every step of the way we were tested.”

While the production was “tested,” Pearl believes that the end result has surpassed expectations and has more than justified the inherent challenges.