Actor Stephen Collins, who has been in the midst of a scandal after his estranged wife claimed Collins admitted to her that he had molested children in the past, now is playing an eerily timed role as a pedophilic priest in his latest movie role. In the short film "Penance," Collins stars as priest that has a dark past on "one man's journey of forgiveness," according to the film's website.

The 10-minute movie has a further synopsis, explaining "David Lyons plays Thomas Walker, a man hounded by personal demons and inner turmoil who has lived long enough with the scars of his past. Stephen Collins is the Priest he visits to clear his conscience and discover exactly what it means to find forgiveness ... or to give it."

The coincidental links between Collins and his character are furthered by the fact that his most well-known role was playing a priest, in this case wholesome, as Rev. Eric Camden on "7th Heaven."

The film has been screened at several festivals, including the Los Angeles International Underground and Starz Denver film festivals.

"Penance" is directed by Jeff Wolfe, who has worked on other films such as "The Avengers" and "Green Lantern" along with others as a stunt coordinator. He released a statement via ABC News upon hearing of the allegations surrounding 67-year-old Collins.

"Although my short film, 'Penance,' has recently played at a number of film festivals, it was actually made in 2013," the director said. "When I cast Stephen Collins, I had no idea there might be a connection between his real life and the part I asked him to play. I found the recent allegations particularly shocking, as my film is meant to speak to victims of abuse and the idea that the effects of abuse never really go away."