Ridley Scott’s biblical epic, Exodus: Gods and Kings, will become available for streaming on Starz on December 1, introducing the director’s most discussed historical drama to new audiences. The Ridley Scott biblical epic, originally released in 2014, provoked debate over its casting and faithfulness to biblical events, factors that continue to define its legacy as it approaches its streaming debut.
Background of Exodus: Gods and Kings
Scott, known for his visually ambitious projects, released Exodus: Gods and Kings as a reimagining of the story of Moses, with Christian Bale playing the titular character. The movie traces the journey of Moses and his relationship with Ramses—Joel Edgerton—and covers Moses’s transformation after he learns of his Hebrew roots and his mission to free the Israelites. The film, which also features Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, and others, follows the biblical narrative through sweeping visuals and dramatic scenes.
The reception of Exodus: Gods and Kings was notably divisive. The film was criticized for its casting choices, perceived by many as whitewashing, as well as for its treatment of historic and scriptural details. On Rotten Tomatoes, both audiences and critics rated the film poorly, with the consensus stating,
“While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can’t quite live up to its classic source material.”
—Review aggregator, Rotten Tomatoes
Plot Overview and Main Cast
Exodus: Gods and Kings centers on the relationship between two Egyptian princes, Moses and Ramses, raised as brothers before discovering their different heritages. When Ramses takes the throne as pharaoh and discovers Moses’s true lineage, Moses is banished to the desert. There, Moses is called by God to return and lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. His confrontations with Ramses drive the core conflict, and as the film unfolds, viewers witness a struggle between divine mission and royal authority.
“Egyptian Princes Moses (Christian Bale) and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) are raised together as brothers. When Ramses becomes pharaoh, Moses is his most-trusted adviser. However Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, and Ramses banishes him to the desert — often a death sentence. But God has a mission for Moses: Free the Israelites from slavery. Moses returns from exile and demands that Ramses let his people go, but the arrogant ruler is unmoved, leading to a battle of divine wills.”
—Film synopsis
Key cast members include Christian Bale as Moses and Ben Kingsley in a pivotal supporting role, with Joel Edgerton playing Ramses. Their performances contributed to the film’s emotional weight amid intense scenes and conflicts.
Box Office Results and Audience Reactions
While Ridley Scott is known for his box office successes, Exodus: Gods and Kings did not match the returns of his most powerful films. Produced on a $140 million budget, it earned approximately $268 million worldwide, splitting revenues between $65 million from U.S. theaters and $264 million overseas. On its opening weekend in December 2014, it held the top spot in American cinemas but dropped quickly in rank during its second weekend, highlighting the mixed reception and lasting controversy surrounding both its subject matter and creative choices.
Returning to Streaming and Ongoing Impact
With Exodus: Gods and Kings making its way to Starz in December, fresh scrutiny is expected to meet Ridley Scott’s interpretation of these biblical events, especially as audience perspectives continue to evolve. The film’s divisive reputation, centered on its depiction of key figures like Moses and Ramses, continues to prompt discussion about adaptation, representation, and historical accuracy.
The film’s addition to the Starz lineup ensures that new viewers and longtime fans will have an opportunity to revisit or encounter this high-profile Ridley Scott biblical epic, sparking renewed debate about its cinematic legacy and cultural impact.
