According to the producers, this is meant to be the first film to tell the entire story of Jesus (as told by the Bible) from birth up to resurrection - since The Greatest Story Ever Told in 1965. Whether or not that’s true, the film has already found its audience – the film had sold out entire theaters ahead of its premiere this Friday. As far as introducing the film to new demographics, Son of God’s appeal is questionable, but it’s clearly hitting its target demo.

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Son of God is meant to be "gritty" and "realistic".

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Relief group Compassion International had purchased 225,000 tickets for screenings in 40 cities across the country, including L.A., Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia and New York City, as of Wednesday. Sales through other church groups account for another 500,000 tickets, bringing the film’s pre-release total to $4 million. Burnett explains why that might be: "This movie is designed to be seen in communities. Therefore, it's the perfect venue for church groups to band together and watch Son of God in a community. That's what's really happening."

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So far, the film is attracting the usual audience.