Finally, an Arab actor in Hollywood who won't be playing the role of a taxi driver or terrorist!
Haaz Sleiman will be playing the role of Jesus Christ in the adaptation of the Bill O’Reilly’s novel Killing Jesus, the Inquisitr reports. They even called this showmakers' casting decision "surprising"!
Some are expecting the news to cause controversy, as the actor playing Jesus is Muslim, not Christian.
Sleiman was born in the United Arab Emirates and raised in Lebanon, but became a U.S. resident at the age of 21. Not widely known to audiences, Sleiman previously appeared in The Visitor, where he played a Syrian illegal immigrant in a part for which he received positive reviews.
Sleiman was humbled to be chosen for this role and commented by saying,
“This is one of the most powerful and inspiring stories ever told. I’m honored and humbled to be given this gift. Jesus’ message of peace and unconditional love is as vital today as ever, no matter the color of your skin, gender, beliefs or nationality. The story is a celebration of our magnificence as humans and the strength, compassion, and empathy we can uphold towards one another.”
However, National Georgraphic aren't concerned! Christopher Albert, the spokesperson for the channel, told Breitbart News Sleiman’s religion wasn’t even a consideration:
“We hired the best actor for all the roles. That was our one and only criteria for casting this movie, which we are incredibly excited about. Haaz in particular blew us away in The Visitor, and was on our short list from the start.”
“When he came in and read for producers in L.A., we knew we had the perfect actor for the role. And we, of course, don’t ask anyone what their religion or any other affiliation is when they audition for a part and certainly don’t discriminate based on religion or anything else.”
Meanwhile, Kelsey Grammer will play King Herod, who attempted to murder Jesus when he was an infant; Stephen Moyer is Pontius Pilate, the Governor who ordered Jesus to be crucified; and Emmanuelle Chriqui as Herodia, who participated in John the Baptist’s murder.
The bestselling novel will be taking to the screen by National Geographic. The deal has already been set in place over a year ago.
The upcoming production will sure be a success as it will be produced by Scott Free Productions’ Ridley Scott, David Zucker, Mary Lisio, and Teri Weinberg; the same team that made another Bill O’Reilly bestseller, Killing Kennedy, into a movie in 2013.
“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 is also an executive producer. “The superb cast and script reflect much thought and research. Viewers are in for something very different and very special.”
Killing Jesus will premiere globally on National Geographic Channel in 2015 in 171 countries and it will be televised in 45 languages. It will also premiere on the Spanish network Nat Geo Mundo.
