From Prison to Production: Bolsonaro Biopic Takes Shape as Son Enters Presidential Race

In a surprising development from Brazil’s political sphere, a biopic about former President Jair Bolsonaro is now in production, as confirmed by his son Carlos Bolsonaro. The announcement came shortly after another significant political move – Flavio Bolsonaro, the elder brother, declared his candidacy for Brazil’s 2026 presidential race. Carlos shared the news on social media, expressing profound gratitude toward American actor Jim Caviezel, who will portray the imprisoned former president. “Jim Caviezel, thank you for everything,” Carlos wrote, describing the “Passion of the Christ” actor as someone whose legacy would be “admired by good people and envied by those who seek destruction.” The emotional post concluded with the words “God, Jesus and Freedom,” reflecting the religious and libertarian themes often associated with the Bolsonaro political brand.

The choice of Caviezel for the lead role adds another layer of intrigue to the project. The American actor has garnered both acclaim and controversy throughout his career, most famously for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and more recently in “The Sound of Freedom.” However, Caviezel has also drawn scrutiny for his reported connections to far-right conspiracy circles in the United States and the political messaging embedded in some of his performances. This casting choice seems deliberate for “Dark Horse,” a film that, according to The Guardian, presents Jair Bolsonaro in a heroic light, focusing on his successful 2018 presidential campaign. The production team further reinforces the film’s political alignment – it’s directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and written by Mário Frias, who previously served as Bolsonaro’s Culture Secretary during his presidency.

The film’s development takes place against the backdrop of Jair Bolsonaro’s current imprisonment. The former president is serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. Brazilian authorities determined that Bolsonaro orchestrated a plot to invalidate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory, leading to his imprisonment in September. His political future appears definitively closed, as a separate ruling has barred him from holding public office until 2030. Despite these severe legal constraints, Bolsonaro maintains significant influence within Brazil’s conservative movement, as evidenced by his rare public endorsement from prison, naming his son Flávio as his preferred political successor and standard-bearer for their movement.

Flávio Bolsonaro, 44, has embraced his father’s endorsement with conviction. Through his Senate office, he confirmed his intention to run in the October 2026 presidential election under the Liberal Party banner. Describing his decision as “irreversible,” Flávio positioned himself as the direct challenger to President Lula, who seeks a fourth non-consecutive term. “It is with great responsibility that I confirm the decision of Brazil’s greatest political and moral leader, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, to entrust me with the mission of continuing our national project,” Flávio announced on social media. His office also confirmed that he has visited his father in prison, likely to discuss strategy and receive guidance for the upcoming campaign, which promises to be highly contentious given Brazil’s deep political polarization.

The biopic’s production schedule appears strategically aligned with Brazil’s political calendar. Filming for “Dark Horse” is expected to continue into 2026, with production taking place in both Brazil and Mexico. This timeline means the film could potentially be released close to the 2026 presidential election, raising questions about its potential influence on Brazilian voters. The film project represents more than mere entertainment – it serves as a vehicle to shape Jair Bolsonaro’s legacy and potentially rehabilitate his image among supporters despite his criminal conviction. For the Bolsonaro family, the simultaneous pursuit of both cinematic and electoral victories suggests a multi-pronged approach to maintaining political relevance and influence.

The developing situation in Brazil highlights the complex intersection of politics, media, and family dynasty-building that has become increasingly common in democratic systems worldwide. The Bolsonaro family’s twin strategies – a Hollywood-style biopic starring a controversial American actor and the eldest son’s presidential candidacy – demonstrate their determination to remain central figures in Brazilian politics despite the patriarch’s imprisonment. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has shown concern about judicial proceedings against Bolsonaro, with the Trump administration going so far as to sanction the Brazilian judge overseeing the coup-plot investigation. As both the film production and the presidential campaign unfold over the next two years, they will undoubtedly influence not only Brazil’s domestic politics but also its relationship with the United States and other international partners, particularly as the narrative of Bolsonaro’s presidency and subsequent legal troubles continues to be contested and reframed through both political and cultural channels.