THE last man – indeed the only man to make a movie about Mohammed that didn’t send Muslims into paroxysms of rage – was Syrian-born Moustapha Akkad.
Moustapha Akkad
In 1976 he achieved international acclaim when he produced and directed the religious historical epic Mohammed: Messenger of God.
Mohammed himself was never seen or heard in the film, in keeping with Islamic sensitivities, but featured Anthony Quinn as his uncle Hamza.
Ironically, Akkad – who holds a place dear to the hearts of horror movie fans for his part in the creation of all eight films in the Halloween series – died in an al-Queda suicide-bomb attack in Amman Jordon on November 9, 2005.
His 34-year-old daughter Rima later died of her injuries sustained in the attack on a luxury hotel. The two were part of a group attending an Islamic wedding ceremony. At least 56 people died in the attack.
The 30th anniverary DVD edition of The Message
Today we learn that Akkad’s Mohammed’s movie is to be remade as The Messenger of Peace.
In a statement, producer Oscar Zoghbi, who worked on the original, said:
We have only the utmost respect for Akkad’s work but technology in cinema has advanced since the 1970s and this latest project will employ modern film techniques in its renewal of the first film’s core messages.
The film’s scriptwriter, Ramsey Thomas, added:
In the 21st century there is a real need for a film that emotionally engages audiences on the journey that led to the birth of Islam.
A spokesman for the producers said in an email to Reuters that details of the funding and production of the planned film would be released “in due course.”
The Freethinker was founded in 1881 by GW Foote, an outspoken critic of religion. After the publication of 
October 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am
“The Messenger Of Pace”. They’re being ironic, right?
October 29th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Bugger! I MEANT “Peace”. Finger trouble, sorry. “Peace” HAH! For “peace” read “Let’s Go Out And Kill An Infidel”
October 29th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Yep, straight after I smash my missus’ teeth in and give her a right good crack with the buckle of my belt.
This is a fickle tone, I know; but then so are islamic cults and ‘religions of peace’ etc, etc, (yawnnnn….)
October 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Moustapha Akkad makes a film about islam, and its messenger of peace.
The old bugger gets blown up by followers of this faith.
Then some sick joker wants to remake the same film under the guise of peace, rah, rah, rah, etc, etc, – alrighty then!!!
The irony; if it wasn’t tragic I’d be wetting myself!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:28 am
When is it out I can hardly bloody wait!
October 30th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Normally, I enjoy movies for children. In my experience, the greatest wisdom is often found in the simplest messages. And though fictional, sometimes the stories are entertaining and charming.
However, when the same messages are aimed at adults, I often see the same messages, but they are distorted, misinterpreted and complicated with confused elements. Sometimes the stories are cloying and other times they are sanctimonious. It deliberately makes fiction of non-fiction.
No thank you, I won’t watch this. I would rather have braces on my teeth than braces on my brains.
November 1st, 2008 at 12:58 am
They could get Big Mo to wear a Michael Myers mask. This would neatly deal with problems of representation.
December 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
What I Am looking forward to is a “TRUTHFUL” movie about the rise of islam – you know the one which depicts their mohamed’s POSSESSION BY A DEMON and his LUST for BLOOD, MONEY and SEX, which is what islam is all about today
……………………should I hold my breath?
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
i have never such dumb comments.
ignorant fools
people who believe anything they are told and chose not to research
sheep
December 8th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Are Religions defined by it’s people ? or Are Religions suppose to define the people?
. Instead, instead, because of your inability to recognize right and wrong, what many of you love to do is seize the opportunity to pounce on another persons Faith whenever given the chance because of that built up rage and anger you have fueled by your ignorance. It’s like getting mad at someone who is smarter then you and instead of trying to make an effort to become smart like them (because it takes the actual use of your brain) you dismiss them by calling them names and distance yourself from them. I know, I know….. it’s not easy to use those thinking muscles…. it just hurts tooooo much 
.
You see, what people always fail to realize is that there will be and always will be fanatics in all Religions. Not everyone is capable in understanding the true essence of their Faith…..such as many of you so clearly prove in this message board