Rome: American actor Chris Pratt is set to lead an ambitious new documentary that delves into one of Christianity’s most sacred sites the Vatican Necropolis, home to the tomb believed to belong to St Peter the Apostle. Produced jointly by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St Peter, and AF Films, the project is expected to premiere in 2026, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the current St Peter’s Basilica.
Production crews have already begun filming inside the vast interiors of St Peter’s Basilica and along the narrow pathways of the Vatican Necropolis, areas normally closed to the public. Chris Pratt will serve as the documentary’s on-screen guide, taking viewers on an immersive journey that blends faith, archaeology, history, and art.
Speaking to Vatican News, Pratt expressed deep appreciation for being entrusted with such a significant project.
“It is an extraordinary honor to partner with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project,” he said. “St Peter’s story is foundational to the Christian faith, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust and access granted to help bring his legacy to the screen.”
The documentary is directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Paula Ortiz, with the script penned by Andrea Tornielli, supported by archaeological advisor Pietro Zander. Their aim is to bring to life the centuries-long quest to identify, protect, and understand the resting place of the Apostle Peter who was martyred on Vatican Hill in 64 AD and buried nearby.
From the earliest days of the Church, Christians sought burial close to Peter’s grave, turning the site into a spiritual centre of devotion. Emperor Constantine, recognizing its importance, preserved the burial grounds while constructing the first grand basilica in the 4th century, physically encasing the apostle’s supposed tomb within the new structure.
The documentary will highlight the landmark excavations ordered by Pope Pius XII in 1940, which opened a new chapter in the study of Vatican Hill’s ancient burial grounds. A decade later, the Pope officially announced the discovery of the Apostle’s burial location.
Further research continued under Pope Paul VI, who in 1968 confirmed that the bones found were those of St Peter himself.
“The relics of Peter have been identified in a way that we can consider convincing,” he said, calling the remains “few but sacred.”
Through exclusive footage, historical documents, and archaeological revelations, Pratt will take viewers step-by-step through the layers of history beneath the Basilica offering a rare, intimate exploration of a site that continues to shape the spiritual identity of millions.
The 2026 release promises to be one of the most significant religious documentaries of the decade, honoring both the legacy of St Peter and the monumental history of the Basilica built over his grave.