‘Killing Jesus’ Set for Palm Sunday Premiere
Killing Jesus, a three-hour made-for-TV movie chronicling the life and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth adapted from the 2013 book of the same name by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is set for showing on Palm Sunday, March 29, 8 pm at the National Geographic Channel. It will also be broadcast in 45 languages across 171 countries and in Spanish on Nat Geo Mundo. The film marks the third collaboration between National Geographic, Ridley Scott's Scott Free Productions and co-executive producer and book co-author Bill O'Reilly, the previous two being Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, both of which have been Emmy-nominated.
Lebanese-American actor Haas Sleiman, known for his guest starring roles in such TV series as Covert Affairs, Nikita, 24, and Nurse Jackie, is cast in the title role. Born and raised as a Muslim, Sleiman at Wednesday's Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, responded to questions about him playing the part of Jesus, saying: "Islam believes that Jesus is a prophet, and they honor him - highly - and they respect him and they follow his teachings. So, for me, as somebody who was raised Muslim, it is an honor to actually play Jesus, just because of that. But I also, myself, for the past 10 years, have been shaped by Jesus. I really believe in his teachings. I think me playing this part highlights his teaching in a very nice way."
The cast of Killing Jesus also includes Kelsey Grammer as King Herod the Great, Stephen Moyer as Pontius Pilate, Rufus Sewell as Caiaphas, John Rhys Davies as Anna, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Herodia, Eoin Macken as Herod Antipas, Tamsin Egerton as Claudia, and Klara Issova as Mary Magdalene.
Made at a reported $12 million budget, Killing Jesus is National Geographic Channel's most ambitious film project to date. It was filmed entirely in the Moroccan desert with a crew of 250, more than 4,500 extras and 93 speaking roles filled by actors representing Lebanon, Morocco, Czech Republic, Ireland, Great Britain, Israel, Canada, Syria, Australia and the United States.