"Killing Jesus,' a film about the life and death of Jesus Christ aired on the National Geographic Channel on Sunday night. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who died on the cross to save humanity.
The film re-examines historical events that occurred during the Roman Empire's control over Jerusalem. The birth and baptism of Jesus, the beginning of his ministry, his trial and imprisonment are among the events that precede Jesus' crucifixion.
3.7 million viewers watched the premiere. Fox News Channel will broadcast the film again on Good Friday, April 3 and Easter Sunday, April 5. It will air at 8 p.m. on both nights.
"Just three centuries after he is believed to have been crucified, the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as its official religion. And today, two thousand years later, over 2 billion people identify as followers of Jesus Christ," is written as the movie's epilogue on the National Geographic website.
Jesus, the Son of God was played by actor Haaz Sleiman. Abhin Galeya played John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John the Baptist was beheaded.
Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot are two of the twelve disciples that closely followed Jesus during his ministry. Peter was played by actor Alexis Rodney. Peter is the disciple that denied Jesus three times. Joe Doyle played the role of Judas, the infamous disciple who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Caiaphas and Annas are the religious Pharisees who hand Jesus over to Roman authority. Actor Rufus Sewell was casted as Caiaphas and John Rhys-Davies as Annas. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor in Jerusalem who oversaw Jesus' trial. Actor Stephen Moyer played the part of Pilate.
The film was shot in Morocco. It is based on the best-selling book with the same title. The book was written by Bill O'Reilly, a political commentator.
