THR reports that Aronofsky and Paramount are battling over his final cut of the film after test screenings comprised of various religious groups didn't exactly go over well. The "trouble reactions" they produced have caused the studio to want changes made to the film. Of specific contention seems to be the final act, which they are calling a "major challenge", and the need is to come up with an exciting conclusion that doesn't alienate the potentially-large Christian audience. Aronofsky has long called Noah "the first environmentalist" and plans to present him as more than just the guy who built the Ark and survived a flood. Of course, not everybody is going to be down with that interpretation and early leaks of the script have led to some harsh responses from religious commentators. In short, this doesn't seem to be a story that will speak to any one particular faith and will be more of a fantasy/supernatural film (some would argue that's what the Bible is anyway, and I would agree) with broader appeal. That may not be what Paramount thinks is best for business, though.
As expected, Aronofsky isn't willing to budge, with one rep saying "He's very dismissive. He doesn't care about [Paramount's] opinion." Both sides are trying to work things out, with studio vice chairman Rob Moore promising "one version of the movie that Darren is overseeing." "Overseeing" doesn't necessarily mean it will be the final version he wants, though.
Noah stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Douglas Booth, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, and is expected to open March 28th 2014.
