The casting selection may have had to do with a desire to attract international appeal for the film. Christ came to save sinners. Mel has admitted and confessed to his own weaknesses and derelictions of Christian duty. Who knows what is going on inside Monica Bellucci's heart. Maybe she will convert or maybe she already has...
There were "sinners" in the New Testament story. Maybe he thought it would make it more realistic to have the real McCoy in the role. That would be a valid artistic intuition. The Incarnation and Redemption are about redeeming the whole flesh.
The Incarnation and Redemption are about redeeming the whole flesh.Bump!