Manson To Shock As Drug Addict Jesus

LATEST: Shock rocker Marilyn Manson is poised to provoke outrage among religious groups when he stars in controversial new movie DIAMOND DEAD - because he's playing a drug taking Jesus Christ.

Movie experts predict Manson's shocking portrayal of the Messiah will cause an even bigger upset than Mel Gibson's The Passion Of The Christ, which was accused of promoting anti-Semitism.

Diamond Dog - directed by horror legend GEORGE A ROMERO - is about a rock band who strike a deal with the devil, and Manson's damning take on Jesus is set to further infuriate Christian leaders, who have previously accused him of promoting Satanism in his songs.

An insider tells Britain's DAILY STAR tabloid, "This movie is a lot more controversial than The Passion Of The Christ. It shows Jesus as a drug addict who smokes pot."

A spokesman for the film adds, "Marilyn Manson in the role of Jesus Christ is getting all sorts of reactions. Someone emailed me saying it's a horrible anti-Christian idea, but they are praying for us."