Ori Pfeffer: “Franchises and remakes dominate, leaving little room for originality”

With the release of his film ‘Mary’, Ori Pfeffer opens up about his experience working with Anthony Hopkins and reflects on the transformative changes the film industry needs.

As the holiday season approaches, Ori Pfeffer seeks to reframe the meaning of Christmas for everyone and reflect on the story behind it. His film ‘Mary’ premieres on 6 December on Netflix and tells the story of the Immaculate Conception and the biblical narrative from the Virgin Mary’s perspective. In it, Ori plays Joachim, Mary’s father. “It was a very special project for me, one I will always remember,” the actor shared. “The film brought together a fantastic cast from all corners of the world, and we filmed against the breathtaking landscape of Ouarzazate, Morocco. Being part of such a significant and timeless story—one that has inspired millions of people for over a millennium—was both humbling and inspiring.”

For Ori Pfeffer, in particular, telling this story was especially meaningful as he was born in Jerusalem and has always felt a deep connection to the city and its biblical history. “Walking through a recreated version of the streets leading to the Holy Temple of Jerusalem was incredibly emotional. There were moments on set where I found myself in tears, reflecting on the weight of history and the narratives passed down through generations. It truly grounded me and made this project feel even more personal and significant,” he explained.

Although the story of the Virgin Mary is widely known, the Israeli actor believes this film offers a more personal and intimate perspective by focusing on Mary’s family experience. He pointed out how often narratives like this overlook the impact of Mary’s journey on her family and loved ones. “As Joachim, I had the chance to explore the emotional and physical sacrifices he and Anne had to make to fulfil God’s plan. Joachim had to balance his love for his daughter, his sense of responsibility as a father, and the overwhelming realisation that Mary was destined for something far greater. Portraying him was an emotional journey, and I think this perspective adds a deeper emotional layer to the family narrative,” Ori explained.

The film features a cast that includes Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, and the legendary Anthony Hopkins, with whom Ori Pfeffer had the great fortune to work. “Everything that’s said about the great Anthony Hopkins is absolutely true. He’s one of the finest actors of our time, but what struck me most was his childlike spirit. Acting is all about play, about believing in the make-believe, and his curiosity and joy in his craft were not only inspiring but also humbling,” the actor shared.

In addition to working with Anthony Hopkins, Ori Pfeffer has collaborated with international stars such as Jason Isaacs, Kate Beckinsale, and Gerard Butler. “Making films is a bit like being in a circus—you arrive at a new place, set up the tent, meet a completely new group of people, perform together for months, and then move on,” he said while laughing. “I take away unforgettable experiences with me, like Andrew Garfield’s generosity on ‘Hacksaw Ridge‘ or the lifelong bond I formed with Gerard Butler when we worked together for the first time back in 2001.”

With projects like ‘Jolt’, ‘1992′, and ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’, Ori Pfeffer has clearly mastered the action genre. “I’ve always loved extreme sports and adventure, from skydiving to climbing Kilimanjaro. That adrenaline rush is something I deeply connect with, and action films feel like an extension of that excitement. Stunts are thrilling, and I always try to do as many as I can because it feels rewarding and real,” the actor explained.

He also revealed that, contrary to popular belief, action sequences involve intricate choreography, meticulous detail, and planning. “During ‘211′ with Nicolas Cage, we had intense shootouts, weapons, and jumps. While it felt like constant action, the safety protocols were flawless,” he said. Yet, sometimes the unexpected happens. “Once, after a day of wild stunts without a scratch, I cut my hand trying to open a stuck window in my trailer,” he recounted . “I ended up in the hospital with 12 stitches! It’s a reminder that the most dangerous moments sometimes happen off-screen.”

Despite his love for action films, Ori admitted he would enjoy exploring other genres like comedy or romance. “Comedy is such a joy to perform, and I loved every minute of working on a sketch-based show called ‘Not In Front of the Kids‘. Improv is an art form I adore—it’s spontaneous and incredibly rewarding. As for romance, absolutely! Love is the driving force behind everything, isn’t it? When I met my wife, I knew within minutes she would be my wife. Straight out of a romantic comedy! So it would be amazing to share that kind of magic on screen.”

With 23 years in the film industry, Ori Pfeffer has seen it all and has strong opinions on what needs to change. “Cinema has become more episodic, like an extended version of television. Franchises and remakes dominate, leaving little room for originality. While nostalgia has its place, we need more daring films like ‘Oppenheimer’ or ‘Barbie’ that expand our imagination and understanding of the world. I’d love to see more bold storytelling, diverse casting, and innovative ideas. Audiences are hungry for originality, and the industry has incredible untapped potential.”

The actor concluded the interview by talking about another passion of his—travelling. He’s visited incredible countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, but if he had to choose, he’d pick a family safari in Tanzania as his favourite experience. “Being in such a pure, natural environment felt like stepping into the Garden of Eden. Walking through Arusha National Park and coming face-to-face with a family of giraffes was unforgettable,” he shared. His next dream destination? Mongolia. “Dan Carlin’s ‘Hardcore History’ podcast sparked my interest in the Khan dynasty, and I can’t wait to experience those landscapes and history in person.”

Credits:
Photographer: Ronen Fadida
Styling: Meital Bruner