BASED ON TRUE LIFE HEROIC TALE OF HUDSON & MARIA TAYLOR IS SET TO FILM THIS SUMMER IN ASIA
May 6, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Half Crown Media, in association with Burns & Co. Entertainment, has announced the feature film, HUDSON & MARIA has been greenlit and will begin principal photography this August in Asia. Matt Mikalatos set to Direct off a script he has penned.
Set during the Opium Wars in 19th-century China, HUDSON & MARIA follows the true story of Hudson Taylor, an English missionary who rejects colonial norms and adopts Chinese language, customs, and dress as he seeks to share God’s love in inland China. Alongside him are Maria, his devoted and courageous wife, and Wang Laijun, a loyal Chinese friend whose insight bridges cultures. Together, they endure hardship and build deep bonds, telling a powerful story of faith, sacrifice, and cross-cultural connection.
Jamie Taylor, the great-great grandson of J. Hudson Taylor, commented on the announcement. “The Taylor family is thrilled that J. Hudson Taylor’s extraordinary life is coming to the screen. We look forward to global audiences being stirred by a man whose daring faith proved that one life, fully surrendered, can change the world.” Jamie will also serve as an Executive Producer on the film.
“Learning about Hudson Taylor, his wife Maria, and their good friend Wang Laijun, I was amazed at how relevant and contemporary their story is, despite taking place over 150 years ago. Against a backdrop of empires in military conflict, pandemics, and powerful politicians seeking personal gain, these inspiring people chose faith, sacrifice, and loving the people around them. I’m honored to be directing HUDSON & MARIA and can’t wait to bring their story to a wider audience,” shared Writer & Director Matt Mikalatos.
The film will be produced by Aaron Burns, Jack McClintock and David Cook. Executive Producer Angela Galgani Sullivan has begun casting the feature.
To learn more about HUDSON & MARIA, please visit hudsonandmaria.com.
About Half Crown Media
Half Crown Media tells remarkable, historic stories of God’s extraordinary work done through ordinary people, to inspire the next generation to see all they are capable of.
About Burns & Co. Entertainment
Burns & Co Entertainment tells timeless stories that uplift, entertain, and inspire audiences worldwide. In addition to being the team behind JIMMY, Burns & Co. is in pre-production on its first animated feature, THE MYTHMAKERS, based on the best-selling graphic novel about legendary storytellers C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien.
