Sean Astin to star in "The Freemason"

From the press release:

Utah welcomes back actor Sean Astin – Joins cast of the Freemason, Film offering peek into Masonry. 

Astin, who has appeared in over 70 film and TV projects including The Goonies, Memphis Belle, Rudy, and the television series 24, is best known for his iconic role as Samwise ‘Sam’ Gamgee in the hugely successful Lord of the Rings Trilogy. 

Astin takes on the lead role of detective Leon Weed, who is investigating a ritualistic killing of an elderly Mason. The Freemason marks Astin’s second return to Utah since appearing in the locally-produced film, Forever Strong (2008). 

Executive Producer Joseph James, himself a Master Mason, hopes to satisfy the public’s insatiable appetite for the craft’s esoteric realms by allowing outsiders a glimpse into some of the secret society’s mysterious rituals. James explains that “The Freemason is the first film of its kind to highlight actual initiation practices,” including a ritual experience that will surely thrill both Masons and non-Masons alike! 

In an article for the Examiner, executive producer Joseph James describes the movie as a murder mystery that crosses Sherlock Holmes with "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

The Freemason, which is scheduled to begin filming in Salt Lake City, Utah later this month, will be directed by Sohrab Mirmontazeri. Mirmontazeri was named the “Filmmaker to Watch” by Digital Filmmaker Magazine UK after his film “The Beautiful Wind" garnered the prestigious Audience Choice Award at New York’s International Film Festival.

The movie's web site describes the plot: "When Cyrus, a brilliant but eccentric freelance writer, is hired to investigate the mysterious murder of a wealthy banker, he suddenly finds himself thrust into the cryptic world of Freemasonry. Cyrus quickly learns the killer will strike again if not given an object shrouded by hundreds of years of arcane secrecy. He must embrace ideals extending beyond his natural senses or suffer the same grisly fate of the murdered banker."

More information is also available on The Freemason Facebook page and IMDB page.