Teyana Taylor says playing Mary Magdalene in 'The Book of Clarence' brought her 'closer to God' during 'GMA' appearance

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The January 8 episode of 'Good Morning America' had actress Teyana Taylor join co-host Lara Spencer to discuss her new film 'The Book of Clarence', where she plays the role of Mary Magdalene.

Billed as a Biblical comedy-drama, Spencer mentioned that the film was action-packed and very unlike an average film the audience would expect to see in the Bible genre.

"It's a true message," said Taylor of the movie. "There's a lot of messages in there that I hope people really get to see before they judge it. It's a very, very special film."

Teyana Taylor on playing Mary Magdalene

"When I read the role … (as it came) across my desk, I wanted to be a part of it," she told Spencer. "It's so crazy because it was more of just something that I wanted to naturally do, something that turned very spiritual for me because I'm a very spiritual person."

Taylor researched the character and did her homework on the role, which she thought was "amazing."

"Filming it actually brought me closer to God," she exclaimed.

She also shared that it was a longtime wish of her to work with James McAvoy. "I was like 'Oh my god, I have to work with him!'" she said.

Teyana Taylor brought her children to the movie premiere

Spencer mentioned Taylor bringing "special guests" on the red carpet, noting that "they looked red carpet ready already."

"At one point, I just backed up," said an amused Taylor. "Now I just like to back up and give them their space… let them do their thing and I'll join in, you know."

Teyana Taylor's breakout role is causing award-season buzz

The conversation proceeded to the film which might give the actress a nod at the Oscars - 'A Thousand and One', directed by AV Rockwell.

When Spencer asked if she had thought about the buzz, Taylor said, "It means a lot - The fact that I'm even a part of the conversation of even just the buzz. I know I'm super appreciative of it. It is a big deal for me."

The film was very different from the previous one that they were discussing, as Taylor, who plays the role of a struggling mother in it, stated that she wanted to show off her range.