​Interviewed By: Donna Augustine

The Ascending Horizon Digital Magazine Interview with Director, Producer, Writer and Editor Rob Gabriele of Action Horror Grindhouse Gorefest FEATURE FILM 

                                                               

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1. I imagine you get asked this question a lot, but what was the inspiration for the script of "Jesus Cop"?

 

Thank you so much for the interview. I take a joke way too far, Tom Green style. A friend sent me a funny meme of Jesus firing a shotgun and I replied with a silly tagline for a fake film and titled it "Jesus Cop" just to make him laugh. Then I inundated him with more taglines just seeing how wild I could take it. Once the joke got old I texted him at absurd hours with plot development for this fake movie, just to be an annoying dick. A week later I had time off work for Xmas so I wrote a 108 page script, beating the dead horse firmly into the ground. 

We both kinda had a "holy shit" moment when we realized it was actually really entertaining. After a few rewrites I was really happy with it! 

 

 

2. When can viewers expect "Jesus Cop" to be released?

 

The Teaser video we posted on YouTube states "Fall 2025" but we had a few setbacks that may delay until Spring 2026 at the latest.

 

 

3. What was your deciding factor in choosing actors/actresses to portray the characters in this film?

 

As Troma alumni myself I was a fan of Kansas Bowling's films. I wrote the character "Mary" for her, but this being my first feature and I guess I was a bit too self-conscious to believe we'd get her attention. After auditioning many amazing actresses I just couldn't find Mary so our Coordinator (now Producer) Sarah Shell pushed and encouraged to reach out to Kansas. We did and she signed on right away!

I reached out to old friend Alex Petrovich. He was our first audition. He nailed it and once we were done casting it was beyond obvious he was our Jesus.

I was very loose with the development of our antagonists when we chose Alex Ren & Erica Sherwood. I knew right away both would bring so much to their roles. We still have a couple of scenes to film with those two together and I just can't wait to see what they bring next.

 

 

 

4. I noticed that there are some major actors/artists who are in this film, such as Bill Manspeaker from the band Green Jelly.

Is there anyone else that is starring in this film?

 

Bill Manspeaker plays "The Pope" and he is also attached as Associate Producer & Soundtrack artist. Some of the cast includes Lynn Lowry, Bam Margera, Al Jourgensen (of Ministry), Nadia White, August Kyss, Jay & Trevor Ziebarth, and many more incredible cast members. I feel incredibly blessed to have these legends in our film. 

 

 

 

 

5. "Jesus can touch your heart... or draw your blood."  What would you say the film "Jesus Cop"  is about?

 

Like a sequel to the New Testament when he was crucified in his 30s and later resurrected by his father, in this story he's been stuck here on Earth ever since. Now in 2025 he is tired of wandering without purpose while perpetually burdened by the severe mental consequences of immortality. Reluctantly he's led on the trail of a pair of hitmen-turned-serial killers on a suicide pact murder spree. Assisting in the journey and the recovery of his lost memory is Mary, a terminally ill thrill-seeking teenage hitchhiker. 

 

 

 

6.  Where can viewers find more information about "Jesus Cop"?

 

Our website [JesusCop.com] has all the info available including our webstore, IMDB, and social media pages. Also at Horror Conventions fans can inquire about the film at booths like Rabidog Films, Jarico Films,  In Production Props, Surreal Studios, Troma and Blood Opera.

 

 

 

7.  Will this film be in theatres? 

 

We have received interest in screenings in Canada/USA already as well as distribution interest so we'll see where we are at in a few months. We completed 15 days of principal photography and we still have about 8 more days left to shoot. We have a teaser released on Youtube now and we are working on a full length trailer. Still this early in the game and we have received a lot of interest.