MILAN -- Continuing Italy's long tradition of popular religious TV dramas and the long-existing war between pubcaster RAI and Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset, the two networks said Thursday that they are each preparing a miniseries on the life of Pope John XXIII.
Last year RAI and Mediaset aired two TV biopics on Padre Pio, a revered Italian monk believed to have performed miracles. The telefilms, aired a few months apart, each scored near-record ratings.
The two broadcasters now hope to repeat the same success with the most popular and beloved among modern popes. He died in 1963.
RAI is working on the project with Lux Vide, which also produced RAI's "Padre Pio" and "The Bible" series, while Mediaset has joined forces with producer Blu Cinematografica.
Both productions aim to involve international stars: RAI has contacted Dustin Hoffman for the leading role; Mediaset is in touch with Robin Williams.
Contact the Variety newsroom at
news@variety.com