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Not literally, as the former president of Brazil is still serving a 27-year prison sentence for planning a coup to stay in power after losing his re-election in 2022. But a new film about his career is on the way, according to social media posts from Bolsonaro's children and other political allies.
The film, titled “Dark Horse,” will star Jim Caviezel, the American conservative actor and activist best known for playing Jesus in Mel Gibson's 2004 film, “The Passion of the Christ.”
The recently released production images on the film's official Instagram account show the actor in Bolsonaro's skin, including a post showing Caviezel recreating the 2018 demonstration where Bolsonaro was stabbed during his election campaign.
The news of the film's filming comes weeks after Bolsonaro began serving a prison sentence for his attempt to remain in power after losing the 2022 Brazilian presidential election. The coup attempt, which investigators say began immediately after he lost his re-election, culminated in a riot similar to the January 6th one by Bolsonaro supporters in the Brazilian capital.
"Dark Horse" seems to have the full support of Bolsonaro's inner circle and family. The former president's children have shared favorable posts about the film on social media, and the script was written by Brazil's former special secretary of Culture and current deputy, Mario Frias. CNN contacted Frias for comment.
The lawmaker, who acted in numerous soap operas before entering politics, told the conservative Brazilian news site Revista Oeste this week that "Dark Horse" was filmed entirely in English to expand its potential audience.
On Sunday, Frías posted a video showing Caviezel, Bolsonaro's son, Carlos, and himself praying for the former president on the set of "Dark Horse".
In a post of his own on Sunday, Carlos Bolsonaro thanked Caviezel for his participation in the film.
"For me, one of the greatest gifts I have received was the opportunity to live unimaginable moments by your side," wrote Carlos Bolsonaro. "Receive my sincere and grateful embrace. God, Jesus and Freedom!"
This is not the first time Caviezel has played a right-wing figure on screen. In 2023, he played the controversial activist Tim Ballard in the film "Sound of Freedom," which was widely criticized after its release for allegedly promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. Caviezel has denied that the film had anything to do with QAnon. CNN has contacted Caviezel for comment.
The actor is also an open supporter of US President Donald Trump, whom he called "the new Moses" in an endorsement for the 2024 presidential elections.
Trump closely followed Bolsonaro's arrest and prosecution, and even imposed a high tariff on Brazilian exports for a short period of time as punishment for the "witch hunt" against his political ally.
Caviezel and the film's director, Cyrus Nowrasteh, have collaborated before, including on 2020's "Infidel," produced by right-wing commentator Dinesh D’Souza.
