<P> In June 2012, Ridley Scott announced that he was developing an adaptation of the Book of Exodus, tentatively titled Moses . On March 27, 2014, the studio changed the title of the film from Exodus to Exodus: Gods and Kings . </P> <P> Some controversy concerning biblical accuracy and content in the writing of the script arose over statements from Ridley Scott that he would be looking to natural causes for the miracles, including drainage from a tsunami for the parting of the Red Sea . According to Scott, the parting of the Red Sea was inspired by a tsunami believed to have been triggered by an underwater earthquake off the Italian coast around 3000 BC . This, combined with statements from Christian Bale about Moses, whom he portrayed ("I think the man was likely schizophrenic and was one of the most barbaric individuals that I ever read about in my life"), raised criticism . Those who voiced their concern included author Brian Godawa saying, "It's accurate to portray Moses as an imperfect hero, so Christians won't take issue with that, but to be so extreme as to call him one of the most barbaric people in history, that sounds like he's going out of his way to distance himself from the very people you'd think he wants to appeal to ." Another was the CEO of Faith - Driven Consumer, Chris Stone, saying about Bale's comments "There's nothing in the biblical history that supports that . It's an indication that there will be a tremendous disconnect between Bale's interpretation and the expectations of the market" and suggesting that Christians will not go to cinemas to see the film . </P> <P> On March 15, 2013, Deadline.com reported Scott wanted Christian Bale to star in the film; in August he confirmed the role to be Moses himself . On the same day, Joel Edgerton joined the cast to play Ramses and production was set to begin in September . The studio announced the casting calls in Spain's Almería and Pechina for 3,000 to 4,000 extras and with another 1,000 to 2,000 extras on the island of Fuerteventura . On August 27, Aaron Paul joined the film to play Joshua . Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and John Turturro were then still in talks about joining the cast . </P> <P> The Sydney Morning Herald and Christian Today reported that the casting of white actors in the lead roles was being criticised . Four white actors were cast to play the lead roles (Hebrew and ancient Egyptian characters): Christian Bale as Moses, Joel Edgerton as Ramses II, Sigourney Weaver as Queen Tuya, and Aaron Paul as Joshua . The Sydney Morning Herald also reported the online community's observations that the Great Sphinx of Giza in the film has a European profile . Christian Today reported that an online petition was under way . It also compared Exodus to the 1956 film The Ten Commandments with its all - white cast and said, "The racial climate, number of black actors, and opportunities provided to them were very different in 1956, however ." Some Twitter users called for a boycott of the film . </P>

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