Ralph Fiennes Wonders if Pope Leo XIV Would Call ‘Conclave’ Rubbish
Data-driven insight: Here’s what we know about Ralph Fiennes’s tongue-in-cheek take on the Vatican thriller Conclave and its hypothetical papal approval. In a recent London press briefing, the Oscar nominee—who portrays the enigmatic Cardinal Corsi—joked that a fictional Pope Leo XIV “would probably say it’s absolute rubbish,” according to Variety. Yet Fiennes was quick to balance the quip with plaudits for the film’s meticulous attention to detail, citing early audience screenings and input from Vatican consultants.
Let’s break down the film’s key credentials and Fiennes’s rationale. Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave dramatizes the high-stakes process of electing a new pontiff. Its ensemble cast includes Stanley Tucci as Dean of the College of Cardinals and John Lithgow in a surprise cameo. Shot on location in Rome and Cinecittà Studios, the production relied on archival Vatican records and the advice of Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s office, as reported by ScreenRant. With a production budget close to $50 million and a planned November 15 release by Universal, insiders predict a $30 million opening weekend.
Transitioning to early indicators, Conclave holds a 75 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 120 reviews). Critics praise its atmospheric set design and taut pacing, though some caution that Hollywood dramatization inevitably drifts from canonical procedure. Fiennes pointed out that while certain scenes are “heightened for suspense,” the film remains “by far the most accurate portrayal of the gathering” he’s encountered. People Magazine confirms that Vatican press liaison Matteo Bruni attended a private screening in late September and offered “constructive feedback” rather than outright rejection.
Fiennes’s “rubbish” remark cleverly underscores the tension between cinematic storytelling and ecclesiastical decorum. Analysts note that such self-deprecating humor resonates with audiences wary of hagiographic portrayals, while also spotlighting Conclave’s ambition to spark public interest in a centuries-old ritual. Demographic studies suggest that nearly one-third of Catholic moviegoers consider authenticity a top priority—an insight that may drive Conclave’s marketing strategy in key European markets.
In sum, Ralph Fiennes balances levity with respect, blending industry data and firsthand production anecdotes. He acknowledges that a real pope might bristle at any fictional liberties, yet he defends the film’s historical research and visual fidelity. That wraps up today’s breakdown—stay tuned as more details emerge from behind those papal doors.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Variety, ScreenRant, People Magazine, Rotten Tomatoes
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
