Exodus: Gods and Kings Latest News: Release Date set for December 2014 as Movie Faces Casting Controversy

By Kara Michelle Aug 20, 2014 08:55 AM EDT

"Exodus: Gods and Kings" latest news: the movie is facing protests as netizens and fans point out that the movie has cast mainly white actors in non-white roles.

"Exodus: Gods and Kings" stars Christian Bale as Moses, Joel Edgerton as Ramses II, Sigourney Weaver as Queen Tuya, and Aaron Paul as Joshua.

"The storyline takes place in ancient Africa, but all the African Kings and Gods are portrayed by white actors and all the slaves, thieves and 'lower class' Egyptians are played by black actors," said author, documentary film producer, media personality Tariq Nasheed.

"When I saw they have Sigourney Weaver playing an African queen, I was done."

The movie now the subject of a Twitter campaign with its own hashtag: #BoycottExodusMovie.

Even the set design has been criticized as it has been pointed out that the movie's version of the iconic Sphinx of Egypt has a European profile.

This isn't the first Hollywood made, Egypt-themed production to spark a casting controversy. Charlton Heston played Moses in the 1956 movie, "The Ten Commandments." Elizabeth Taylor played the lead role in the 1963 film "Cleopatra."

"Exodus: Gods and Kings" is an epic retelling of the Hebrews' exit out of Egypt, as told from the Bible's Book of Exodus. Set for release on December 12, 2014, the movie is directed by Ridley Scott, known for movies such as "Alien" (1979), "Blade Runner" (1982), "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "Gladiator" (2000), "Black Hawk Down" (2001), and "Hannibal "(2001).

"Exodus: Gods and Kings" was shot in Almeria, Canary Islands, Pajara, and Antigua.