While promoting his new film "Exodus: Gods and Kings," Christian Bale referred to his character, Moses, as "likely schizophrenic" and "one of the most barbaric individuals that I ever read about in my life."

Bale has understandably backed away from much of the media in light of this statement, but it hasn't hurt the box office of the Ridley Scott-directed picture. "Exodus" was No. 1 when it was released, currently grossing $254.1 million. Co-star Joel Edgerton, who plays Ramses, the prince who Moses grows up with before they become enemies, believes that's because the biblical story is so widely revered.

"Everybody knows Moses, or thinks they do," he tells The Japan Times. "You don't need the savvy of a top director like Ridley Scott to realize that any subject so widely known is, in a way, already presold."