They Are Us film slammed as Rose Byrne set to play Jacinda Ardern

Rose Byrne is set to play NZ PM Jacinda Ardern in a controversial film about the Christchurch mosque massacre — but not everyone is happy.

More than 64,000 people have signed a petition against a New Zealand film about the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre in which 51 people were killed.

Australian Rose Byrne is set to play NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in They Are Us, which is still in the planning stages with Andrew Niccol set to direct.

Critics have slammed the project as a “white saviour” story with Ardern herself distancing herself from the film that will focus on her reaction to the attack.

“This is (a) very raw event for New Zealand and even more so for the community that experienced it,” Ardern said.

“I agree that there are stories that at some point should be told from March 15. But they are the stories from our Muslim community so they need to be at the centre of that. I don’t consider mine to be one of the stories that needs to be told.”

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at two minutes of silence for victims of the twin mosque massacre in Christchurch in 2019. Photo: Marty Melville/AFP

It was on March 15, 2019, that Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant carried out the mass shootings at two mosques – Masjid An-Nur (Al Noor) and Linwood mosques — after months of planning.

Last year, he was sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty of 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.

The film was announced through the Hollywood Reporter on Friday, billed as an “inspirational story about the young leader’s response to the tragic events”.

Ardern was praised globally for her handling of the tragedy, with the film named after her calls for unity that included the title line.

“They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand.”

Rose Byrne. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Jacinda Ardern. Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

Of the project meanwhile, Byrne has said: “So I’m attached to this film to play Jacinda Ardern. It focuses on the horrific terrorist attack in New Zealand. She’s such a fascinating character. So I’m really excited about that.”

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has suggested production will not be allowed in the city while on Monday, producer Philippa Campbell resigned from the project.

“I’ve listened to the concerns raised over recent days and I have heard the strength of people’s views,” Campbell said.

Byrne in Columbia Pictures' Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.

“I now agree that the events of March 15, 2019 are too raw for film at this time and do not wish to be involved with a project that is causing such distress.

“The announcement was focused on film business, and did not take enough account of the political and human context of the story in this country.

“It’s the complexity of that context I’ve been reflecting on that has led me to this decision.”

The change.org petition was set up by New Zealand’s National Islamic Youth Association (NIYA) and calls on FilmNation Entertainment and CAA Media Financing to withdraw their involvement with the movie.

The online petition against the New Zealand film, They Are Us, about the Christchurch massacre.

“This is a grotesque ‘white saviour’ take on the incident and highly disrespectful to the Muslim community who were the victims,” Rosalind Dalefield, who signed the petition, wrote.

Another signatory, Marie Ficarra, wrote: “This NZ tragedy should not be turned into a profit making movie opportunity.”

And Ireen Potter commented: “It is appalling that a film like this should be made in any event. It is mawkish and deplorable. Stop this now. Where’s the respect for the people who died and those who are suffering?”