Pratt frames this as a profound spiritual journey, emphasizing the 'incredible honor' and 'trust' granted by the Vatican to bring St. Peter’s legacy to the screen.
Insiders are buzzing about the sheer audacity of pairing a Marvel action star with the Pontiff for an archaeological deep dive. Is this genuine faith or the ultimate brand pivot?
The documentary 'Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins' launches at the Rome Film Festival on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. It marks the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s consecration on Nov. 18.
Chris Pratt isn't just saving the galaxy anymore; he's digging into the foundations of Christianity with the Pope himself. This is the most exclusive backstage pass in Vatican history.
Let’s cut to the chase: Chris Pratt is descending into the literal foundations of the Catholic Church, and he’s not alone. In a move that has Hollywood’s PR machines spinning in circles, Variety has exclusively revealed the trailer for "Pétros Ení — Discovering the Origins," a new documentary that pairs the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star with Pope Leo XIV. This isn’t some fluff piece about faith; it’s a gritty, archaeological expedition beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, exploring the tomb of the apostle himself. The doc launches at the Rome Film Festival on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, timing its debut perfectly with the 400th anniversary of the basilica’s consecration on Nov. 18. The title, "Pétros Ení," translates from Greek to "Peter is here," referencing an ancient inscription found near the burial grounds. The film features footage rarely seen by the general public, guiding viewers through the history of how Peter’s burial site became the epicenter of early Christian devotion and the foundation for the first great basilica built under Emperor Constantine. Pratt serves as the guide, taking us on a journey beneath the basilica to uncover the archaeology of one of Christianity’s most significant sites. It’s a far cry from his usual blockbuster fare, trading starships for stone sarcophagi. What really gets the gossip mills churning is the Pope’s involvement. The synopsis confirms that the journey culminates with the "special participation" of Pope Leo XIV, who appears in the film’s final scenes to reflect on Peter and the meaning of his tomb. This level of access is unprecedented for a Hollywood actor. Pratt, in a statement, called it an "incredible honor" to collaborate with the Vatican, expressing deep gratitude for the "trust and access" he was given. But let’s be real: you don’t get to walk around the Vatican’s most sacred underground chambers without a serious agenda. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz and written by Andrea Tornielli, the project is a co-production between AF Films, Vatican Media, and La Fabbrica di San Pietro. The international rollout is scheduled for February 2027, strategically timed for the opening weeks of Lent. With Hallow Studios handling U.S. and Canada distribution, and partners lined up in Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, this isn’t just a niche religious doc—it’s a global event. The tea here is whether Pratt’s genuine spiritual journey is the real story, or if this is the ultimate rebrand for a star looking to shed his action-hero image. Either way, the receipts are in: Chris Pratt and the Pope just made history, one shovel at a time.
