A film is underway, aiming to portray the life of Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, even as he remains incarcerated. The confirmation came from his son, Carlos, who publicly expressed gratitude towards the actor taking on the challenging role.
Carlos Bolsonaro singled out Jim Caviezel, known for his portrayal of Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” praising him as a figure destined for lasting admiration. He described working with Caviezel as a profoundly meaningful experience, a “gift” he would cherish.
Caviezel’s involvement has drawn attention, given his past associations with far-right ideologies and the politically charged nature of some of his previous roles. His selection adds another layer of complexity to a project already steeped in controversy.
The biopic, titled “Dark Horse,” is envisioned as a heroic account of Bolsonaro’s successful 2018 presidential campaign. It’s being directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, with a script penned by Mário Frias, a former Culture Secretary under Bolsonaro’s administration.
Bolsonaro’s current imprisonment stems from a 27-year sentence handed down for his attempts to subvert the 2022 election results. Authorities allege he masterminded a scheme to invalidate the victory of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Beyond the sentence, a separate ruling has effectively ended Bolsonaro’s political career, barring him from holding office until 2030. Despite this, his influence continues to resonate within his family and among his supporters.
From prison, Bolsonaro has publicly endorsed his son, Flávio, as his preferred successor in the 2026 presidential election. This endorsement signals a continuation of his political project, even from behind bars.
Flávio Bolsonaro, 44, has confirmed his intention to run, directly challenging President Lula, who is seeking an unprecedented fourth term. He framed his decision as “irreversible,” demonstrating a firm commitment to the race.
The eldest Bolsonaro son has visited his father in prison, underscoring the family’s continued unity and shared political ambitions. He described his candidacy as fulfilling the wishes of “Brazil’s greatest political and moral leader.”
Filming for “Dark Horse” is anticipated to extend into 2026, with locations spanning both Brazil and Mexico. The production promises to be a closely watched event, given the sensitive political climate and the controversial figure at its center.
