Portrayals of Jesus in Films and TV Series Over the Years
The story of the life and death of Jesus has been a popular tale that has transcended scriptures to screens, with numerous actors taking on the role of portraying the revered Son of God.
As the Lent Season is observed, let’s take a closer look at some of the portrayals of Jesus that have received attention, praise, and even criticism from viewers.
In 1961, Jeffrey Hunter portrayed the Son of God in the film “King of Kings,” depicting His life from birth to resurrection as narrated in the New Testament. Hunter’s casting was attributed to his “memorable eyes,” as producer Samuel Bronston chose him for the role over other actors.
Swedish-French actor Max von Sydow starred as Jesus in the 1965 film “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” earning critical acclaim despite his personal beliefs as a non-believer.
In the 1973 musical film “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Ted Neeley brought the titular role to life, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a motion picture.
British actor Robert Powell portrayed Jesus in the miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth,” which was well-received by believers upon its release in 1977.
Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Jesus in the controversial 1988 film “The Last Temptation of Christ” stirred debate among Christian believers for its unique depiction of Jesus struggling with temptation and doubt.
American actor Jim Caviezel took on the role of Jesus in the 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ,” directed by Mel Gibson, which was both a box office hit and a subject of controversy.
Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado played Jesus in both the miniseries “The Bible” and its film adaptation “Son of God,” emphasizing the importance of using the character to educate audiences about Jesus.
Jonathan Roumie currently leads the cast of the TV series “The Chosen,” a crowdfunded project focusing on the life and ministry of Jesus, which premiered in December 2017 and is preparing for its fifth season.
These portrayals of Jesus in films and TV series have left a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing different interpretations of the timeless story of the Son of God.
