Killing Jesus (2015 film)
| Killing Jesus | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard |
| Written by | Walon Green |
| Directed by | Christopher Menaul |
| Starring | Haaz Sleiman Kelsey Grammer Stephen Moyer Emmanuelle Chriqui John Rhys-Davies |
| Theme music composer | Trevor Morris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers | Ridley Scott David W. Zucker Mary Lisio Teri Weinberg Mark Huffam |
| Cinematography | Ousama Rawi |
| Editor | Xavier Russell |
| Running time | 132 minutes |
| Production company | Scott Free Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | National Geographic Channel |
| Release | March 29, 2015[1] |
Killing Jesus is an American television film inspired by the 2013 book of the same title by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. This is National Geographic's third installment of television adaptations of O'Reilly's non-fiction books, which include Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy. The cast includes Haaz Sleiman, Kelsey Grammer, Stephen Moyer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, and John Rhys-Davies.[2]
It debuted on the National Geographic Channel on March 29, 2015.[1]
Premise[edit]
The film 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 crucifixion.[3]
Cast[edit]
- Haaz Sleiman as Jesus[2]
- Alexis Rodney as Peter[2]
- Joe Doyle as Judas Iscariot[2]
- Aneurin Barnard as James[2]
- Abhin Galeya as John the Baptist[2]
- Rufus Sewell as Caiaphas[2]
- John Lynch as Nicodemus[2]
- John Rhys-Davies as Annas[2]
- Stephen Moyer as Pontius Pilate[2]
- Tamsin Egerton as Claudia[2]
- Kelsey Grammer as Herod the Great[2]
- Eoin Macken as Herod Antipas[2]
- Emmanuelle Chriqui as Herodias[2]
- Stephanie Leonidas as Salome[2]
- Vernon Dobtcheff as Isaiah[2]
- Klára Issová as Mary Magdalene
- Mehdi Pyro as Andrew
Development[edit]
In March 2014, it was announced Killing Jesus was being adapted into a four-hour miniseries, and Walon Green has been tapped to write and executive produce the project.[4] Also returning as executive producers are Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, and Mary Lisio, who previously produced Killing Kennedy. In August 2014, Christopher Menaul was attached to direct the miniseries.[5]
Reception[edit]
The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gave the series a 43% approval rating based on 7 reviews, with an average rating of 5.70/10.[6]
Viewership[edit]
On its premiere airing, the film was watched by 3.7 million viewers, averaging a 1.0 rating among adults in the 25-54 demographic. The viewership surpassed the record previously held by Killing Kennedy.[7][8]
Accolades[edit]
| Year | Association | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Movie/Miniseries | Killing Jesus | Nominated |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Television Movie | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Satellite Awards | Best Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Hipes, Patrick (February 18, 2014). "'Killing Jesus' Premiere Date Set For March 29 On Nat Geo – Full Trailer". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Goldberg, Lesley (October 6, 2014). "Nat Geo's 'Killing Jesus' Cast Revealed (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ Oldenburg, Ann (October 6, 2014). "Kesley Grammer, cast announced for 'Killing Jesus'". USA Today. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 17, 2014). "National Geographic's 'Killing Jesus' To Expand To 4 Hours, Walon Green To Write". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ The Deadline Team (August 7, 2014). "Christopher Menaul To Direct 'Killing Jesus' For Nat Geo & Ridley Scott". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ "Killing Jesus". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ O'Connell, Michael (March 30, 2015). "'Killing Jesus' Nabs Nat Geo Ratings Record With 3.7 Million Viewers". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ Maglio, Tony (March 30, 2015). "'Killing Jesus' Slays Nat Geo Record With 3.7 Million Viewers". TheWrap. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
External links[edit]
- 2015 television films
- 2015 films
- 2015 drama films
- 2010s biographical films
- American biographical films
- Films about Christianity
- Films based on non-fiction books
- Films set in Israel
- Films set in Jerusalem
- Films set in 1st-century Roman Empire
- National Geographic (American TV channel) original programming
- Films about Jesus
- Film portrayals of Jesus' death and resurrection
- Portrayals of Mary, mother of Jesus, in film
- Films based on works by Bill O'Reilly (political commentator)
- Films based on works by Martin Dugard (author)
- Cultural depictions of John the Baptist
- Cultural depictions of Pontius Pilate
- Portrayals of Mary Magdalene in film
- Films directed by Christopher Menaul
- 2010s American films
- American drama television films
- Films with screenplays by Walon Green
- Cultural depictions of Saint Peter
- Cultural depictions of Judas Iscariot
- Depictions of Herod the Great on film
- Cultural depictions of Salome
- Caiaphas
- Nicodemus
- Cultural depictions of Herod Antipas