Lights, Camera, Papal Action: Andrzej Chyra Transforms into Pope John Paul II!

In an intriguing twist of method acting, Andrzej Chyra is stepping into the shoes of Pope John Paul II for the film“Santo Subito!”Set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1981 assassination attempt, Chyra is fully immersing himself in the role, going so far as to collapse on set after a staged shooting. With fake blood splattered around, this scene captures the gravity of the moment when Mehmet Ali Ağca opened fire as the Pope entered St. Peter’s Square.

Directed by Bertrand Bonello, the film also features Mark Ruffalo as a Vatican-linked American priest who takes on the challenging role of“devil’s advocate.”This character dives into the Pope’s life, peeling back the layers of his legacy in a way that’s bound to intrigue viewers. While the seriousness of the subject matter is palpable, Chyra’s laid-back outtakes—seen in Adidas and snapping selfies—remind us that even during weighty film moments, actors find their ways to keep it real. After all, what’s a little blood without some casual fun between takes?