Conclave screenwriter Peter Straughan has fired back at Megyn Kelly’s fiery comments about the religious drama.
Hours before director Edward Berger’s movie, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini, went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay — Motion Picture at the January 5 ceremony, Kelly called it the “most disgusting anti-Catholic film.”
*Warning — spoilers for ‘Conclave’ to follow*
“Just made the huge mistake of watching the much-celebrated Conclave & it is the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time,” Kelly, 54, posted on X/Twitter. “Shame on Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci & John Lithgow for starring in it & shame on director Edward Berger (among others).”
Written by Straughan and adapted from Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name, Conclave is about Fiennes’s Cardinal Lawrence, who’s tasked with electing a new pope.
“‘Spoiler:’ They make THE POPE INTERSEX! This is the big exciting twist at the end. I wish I had known so I wouldn’t have watched it. There are almost no redeeming characters in the movie — every cardinal is morally bankrupt/repulsive,” continued the conservative pundit, who was raised Catholic.
“The only exception of course is the intersex pope (who — surprise! — has female reproductive parts) & the cardinal who keeps her secret — bc of course that kind of Catholic secret-keeping must be lionized. I’m disgusted. What a thing to release to streaming just in time for Christmas. They would never do this to Muslims, but Christians/Catholics are always fair game to mock/belittle/smear.”
Speaking to reporters backstage after his win for Best Screenplay, Straughan addressed Kelly’s rant, arguing: “I don’t think the film is anti-Catholic.
“I would quote the whole message of which is about the church always having to the spiritual core, because to me, that is a very central Catholic idea that I was brought up with. I stand by it,” the British playwright said.
Conclave went on to win one of its six Golden Globe nominations. It was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Motion Picture, Best Director – Motion Picture, and Best Original Score – Motion Picture.
The movie has been a hit with critics and is available to stream now on Peacock in the U.S.
