Fans of Star Wars are in for a treat as Oscar Isaac and Mark Hamill reunite in an unexpected setting for the upcoming animated film The King of Kings. The movie, which blends a sci-fi twist with a Biblical tale, offers a fresh take on the life of Jesus Christ. The film’s official teaser trailer has just been released, providing audiences with their first look at Isaac in the transformative role of the Son of God.
Directed by renowned VFX expert Seong-ho Jang and produced by South Korea’s Mofac Animation, The King of Kings adds an intriguing element of time travel to the well-known story of Jesus. Based on a lesser-known short story by Charles Dickens, the film follows the famous 19th-century author and his son, Walter, as they accidentally discover a multidimensional portal. This portal transports them through time, where they meet some of history’s most famous figures, including Jesus Christ. Alongside Jesus, the duo encounters a host of notable Biblical figures, such as Mary, Joseph, and the apostles, as well as some of Jesus’ adversaries.
Isaac, best known for his roles in Star Wars and Dune, will portray Jesus Christ in this animated feature. The filmmakers emphasize the compassionate and child-friendly nature of Isaac’s portrayal, aiming to present Jesus’ teachings in a way that resonates with young audiences. “With his soothing voice and expressive delivery, Isaac’s portrayal captures the essence of Jesus’ teachings, making them accessible and engaging for children,” reads a statement on the film’s official website.
Alongside Isaac, The King of Kings features a star-studded cast of fellow Star Wars alums. Mark Hamill takes on the role of King Herod, while Forest Whitaker voices the apostle Peter. Uma Thurman also stars as Catherine Dickens, adding another layer of depth to this animated adaptation.
Inspiration from Dickens’ Unfinished Legacy
While the blend of time travel and Biblical history might seem unconventional, The King of Kings is actually inspired by Charles Dickens’ posthumously published short story The Life of Our Lord. Dickens originally wrote this story for his children, reading it aloud to them as part of their Christmas tradition. However, the story remained largely unknown until it was published in 1934, six decades after Dickens’ death. Given its original intent as a children’s story, this animated adaptation is seen as a fitting way to continue Dickens’ legacy and share his faith with a new generation.
Isaac, who is also known for his darker roles, including his portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation, has a packed slate of projects ahead. In addition to The King of Kings, Isaac will star in Flesh of the Gods, a vampire film alongside Kristen Stewart, and will return to the role of Miguel O’Hara in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. He is also set to play Solid Snake in the film adaptation of the popular Metal Gear video games.
The King of Kings is slated for release during Easter weekend in the U.S.
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