Logan Lerman has defended Darren Aronofsky’s interpretation of the Biblical epic Noah, calling the film “a good telling of the story”.
The actor said it was "disappointing" the film had been banned in some Muslim countries, and hoped religious groups who have called the movie blasphemous would change their mind if they saw it.
"I think once they saw it, I think religious groups would start liking it and realising it's a good telling of the story," he said.
Noah: Film review
The actor's comments follow co-star Emma Watson's defence of the film last week, who said the story "had to be adapted" from the original Genesis account to work on the big screen.
Lerman said he had no concerns about starring in a film which paints Noah as a "great environmentalist" and strays from the original Genesis account.
"When I first read the script I wasn't concerned about it being different to the Biblical original. I liked the story, the message - I liked what Darren was doing," he said.
He added he thought the film might help young people re-engage in religious stories and "see them in a new way than they had before".
The 22-year-old, who plays Noah's second son Ham, was initially surprised when he first heard Aronofsky was writing a movie about a Biblical story, but said he liked his "vision".
"When I first heard Aronofsky was doing a Biblical epic I thought 'really? He's doing that?' He's always doing the unexpected though and I really wanted to aid his vision," he said.
A self-proclaimed "film geek", Lerman said he "fought hard" to work with the acclaimed director on the film.
"He's one of my favourite filmmakers. When I found out there was a project out there, I was like, I've got to do this. I would do everything to be there and I fought really hard to be a part of it."
Noah is on general release in the UK from Friday 4 April.
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