Pope Leo XIV and Chris Pratt will star in Pétros Ení: Discovering the Origins, a documentary exploring the history and archaeology surrounding St. Peter's tomb beneath the Vatican, Vatican News reported.
The film takes viewers into the Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica and draws on archive material, archaeological expertise and footage documenting the search for the apostle's remains.
Its theatrical rollout is scheduled to begin in February 2027, during the first weeks of Lent, following the release of its first trailer on October 16, per EWTN News.
Newsweek contacted Pratt's representative and the Vatican via email for comment on Tuesday.
Audiences in several countries are expected to get theatrical access to the Vatican-backed documentary, with distributors lined up across North and South America and Europe.
The film arrives as St. Peter's Basilica marks 400 years since its consecration on November 18, 1626, bringing rarely seen areas beneath the church to the screen.
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Inside the Vatican Necropolis
Produced by AF Films in collaboration with Vatican Media and the Fabric of St. Peter, the documentary takes viewers beneath the basilica and into the Roman necropolis preserved below it.
Pratt guides the approximately hourlong journey, beginning outside St. Peter's Basilica before descending through layers of history toward the apostle's burial place. Vatican News said the production includes images that had never previously been captured on film.
Its evidence stretches beyond newly filmed material. Documents from the Archives of the Fabric of St. Peter are presented alongside contributions from Vatican Necropolis expert Pietro Zander, recordings of previous popes and archival footage of epigrapher Margherita Guarducci.
The title itself points to the film's central mystery. "Pétros Ení" refers to a Greek inscription meaning "Peter is here," found near what is identified as the apostle's burial grounds.
Pope Leo Reflects on St. Peter
Leo appears during the documentary's final scenes, reflecting on St. Peter and the significance of his tomb being beneath the basilica.
His appearance follows the documentary's broader exploration of how the site was uncovered. Excavations started under Pope Pius XII during World War II, while later research prompted Pope Paul VI to announce in 1968 that remains believed to belong to St. Peter had been found.
That history is traced back further still. According to Vatican News, the film explores the Constantinian Basilica and the Roman necropolis beneath today's church as it reconstructs how the burial site developed into a center of Christian devotion.
Chris Pratt Defines His Faith
For Pratt, the production became a personal exploration of religion. In an interview at the Vatican, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World actor said the experience was helping him "define my faith."
Pratt said he wanted viewers to see St. Peter as an "imperfect man" whose strength came through grace and faith.
"It was an incredible honor to collaborate with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project," Pratt said. "The story of St. Peter is foundational to the Christian faith, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and access I was given to bring his legacy to the screen."
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Pope Recovering After Cancer Surgery
The pope is recovering from recent surgery, adding a different backdrop to his appearance in the documentary.
Vatican News reported on October 16 that Leo was receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following surgery, with the film's Rome Film Festival audience applauding the pope during its premiere. Paolo Ruffini, the prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, expressed hope that his recovery would continue to progress well.
According to the health information provided by the Vatican, Leo underwent surgery after doctors detected a localized cancerous nodule in his lung. Part of the lower lobe of his right lung was removed, and the Vatican subsequently said his postoperative recovery was progressing normally.
When Will ‘Pétros Ení’ Come Out?
Hallow Studios will distribute the film next year in the United States and Canada, EWTN News reported, with Bosco Films handling Spain and Cinépolis +Que Cine responsible for Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards.