'Second Coming' may involve Sam Rockwell and Pixie Lott

Sam Rockwell and Pixie Lott look set to play Joseph – well, Joe – and his pregnant wife, Mary, a couple who find themselves at the centre of claims that the Second Coming is nigh when they travel to the US town of Bethlehem, Maryland. Comedy Sweet Baby Jesus is due to start shooting in August on location in Maryland, according to the Deadline blog . Indoors scenes will be filmed in Ireland. The movie will be directed by Peter Hewitt, known for Garfield, and is based on a screenplay by Steve Blair. Producer Philippe Rebboah said: "It made me laugh out loud. The script has such fun subverting the treasured details of the Nativity – posing the question, 'What would we do if it all happened again?'" According to Deadline, Lott has already signed up to play Mary. The singer attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, so has some acting experience. Rockwell is in talks to play Joe. Bette Midler will play Eleanor, a cipher for the traditional inkeeper of the nativity story, with Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall as Mary's mother, Darlene.