The TV movie based on Bill O'Reilly's and Martin Dugard's book is aiming for a fall start and 2015 premiere.
- Oct 7, 2014
AceShowbiz - Kelsey Grammer and Stephen Moyer are announced as part of National Geographic Channel's upcoming TV movie "Killing Jesus". The former has been cast as King Herod while the latter will play Pontius Pilate.
"Killing Jesus" chronicles the life of Jesus of Nazareth through the retelling of the political, social and historical conflicts during the Roman Empire that ultimately led to his death. It is based on Fox News Channel star Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's book of the same name.
Grammer's Herod is described as "the unrelenting and ambitious Roman King of Judea, who attempted to kill Jesus at his birth". Moyer's Pilate is "the Roman governor who ordered Jesus' crucifixion". Haaz Sleiman was already cast as Jesus and his first look as Messiah has been shared in an exclusive pic by THR.
"The film Killing Jesus will break new ground in chronicling the life of the most famous human being who ever lived," said O'Reilly, who also serves as an executive producer, in a statement. "The superb cast and script reflect much thought and research. Viewers are in for something very different and very special."
Chris Menaul will direct from a teleplay by Emmy-winning scribe Walon Green. Production will begin this fall for a worldwide premiere next year in 171 countries and 45 languages. There will be a Spanish version debuting on Nat Geo Mundo.
"The combined talent of this incredible cast is unparalleled, and we can't wait to see what this team of actors can do," NGC's Moran said. "With this stellar cast and breath-taking script by Walon based on Bill's page turner, we are going to explore the seismic political and historical events that surrounded the life and death of Jesus as never before."
