Playing Jesus

In cinema, casting the role of Jesus Christ has always been a tricky one. The actor must be handsome and holy at the same time. Not everyone can play Jesus. Some say that playing the role of Jesus can be baneful to one’s career for how can you play Jesus and then play a sexual predator in your next film. Well, you can because you’re an actor! But then some feel it’s improper because playing Jesus is more than just acting, it’s a privilege. It’s the season of Lent and let’s look at some actors who played Jesus Christ in the movies:

Jim Caviezel — Jim portrayed Jesus Christ in the controversial 2004 religious film The Passion of The Christ, which was directed by actor Mel Gibson. The film tells the story of the final 12 hours of Jesus on earth. It divided cineastes because of its gory and violent scenes. The film was both praised and bashed. In an article published by the Daily Mail UK, Jim who is a devout Catholic explained that he knew that playing Jesus had its own downside but his faith became his anchor in his personal and professional life. On his part, Mel was accused of directing an “anti-Semitic film.” (Antisemitism is prejudice against Jews due to their affinity to their Jewish religion or heritage.)

Diogo Morgado — This Portuguese actor, who stars in the Son of God, is the latest addition to the long list of actors who played Jesus. The movie revolves around the story of Jesus from His birth, crucifixion to the resurrection. Diogo is a model and many are protesting that he is too hot for the role.

Ralph Fiennes — The English actor lent his voice as Jesus Christ in the animated film The Miracle Maker. Ralph is a known Shakespearean actor of the highest order. He is considered a royalty in the acting profession. In Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, Ralph played the Nazi war criminal Amon Goeth where he earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He has also won the highly-coveted Tony for playing Hamlet on Broadway.

Christian Bale — In 1999, Christian Bale played Jesus in Mary Mother of Jesus TV movie. The film highlights Mary’s importance in Jesus’ life, suggesting that his parables were inspired by stories she told him in his childhood. He first caught the spotlight when he landed a role in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun in 1987. He was 13 years old then. His other notable films include Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, American Hustle and The Fighter.

Max Von Sydow — He is a famous Swedish actor who has starred in a number of films and played supporting roles. In the 1965 film The Greatest Story Ever Told, which tells the story of Jesus from birth to resurrection (directed by George Stevens), Max plays Jesus Christ.

Ted Neeley — Ted is famous for his role as Jesus in the 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar. It was said that he initially auditioned for the role of Judas, thinking it is a character very few understand. When he was not chosen to play the part, he went for the chorus which inadvertently led him to playing the lead role.

Willem Dafoe — Willem played Jesus in the Martin Scorsese movie The Last Temptation of Christ. The film is about the life of Jesus Christ and his struggle to cast out temptations including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance and lust. It also features a married Jesus and consummating marriage with Mary Magdalene. The film was banned in some countries like Turkey, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, the Philippines and Singapore.

Victor Garber — He is a Canadian film, stage and television actor and singer. Victor is known for playing Jesus in Godspell, the film adaptation of the off-Broadway musical based on the Gospel according to Matthew and is set in New York.

Jeffrey Hunter — He played Jesus Christ in King of Kings. Despite the fact that he was 35 years old when he played the role, he was dubbed the “Teenage Jesus” because of his boyish looks.

Henry Byron Warner — He portrayed Jesus in Cecil B. DeMille silent film The King of Kings. DeMille reportedly wanted his lead actor in The King of Kings to refrain from any “unbiblical” activities.

Matt Ranillo — Matt played Jesus Christ in Ben Yalung’s Kristo, a reenactment on the life and death of Christ based on the Gospel of John. The star-studded movie features Ruel Vernal, Rez Cortez, Jorge Estregan, Daniel Fernando, Rudy Fernandez, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, Aga Mulach, Tonton Gutierrez, Gardo Verzosa, Dan Alvaro, Ricky Davao and Amy Austria, among others.