Kristen Bell, Brian Cox, & more surprised to learn they are stars of Fox ‘Life of Jesus’ podcast

Last week, Fox News announced a 52 episode podcast called “The Life of Jesus” with a star studded cast of over 100 actors. Many of the actors involved said they had no idea what was going on. It turned out that they participated in recording an audio book which was released in 2010. The 21 hour audio book will be released as a Fox News podcast in 30 minute installments beginning on November 30.

The cast includes Brian Cox (God), Kristen Bell (Mary Magdalene), Neal McDonough (Jesus), Malcolm McDowell (Caiaphas), Sean Astin (Matthew), Julia Ormond (Mary Mother of God), Blair Underwood (Mark), Stacy Keach (John), Hill Harper (Angel of the Lord), Michael York (Luke), and John Rhys-Davies (narrator).

A Fox News Media spokesperson said in a statement: “Gulfstream Studios produced the ‘Life of Jesus Podcast’ from The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible, which was licensed by FOX News Audio, with full cooperation and participation by all the actors involved.” Translation: the original deals they signed for the audio book allow for the show to be licensed in this way, according to Fox News Media.

Kristen Bell said she had no knowledge of the Fox News deal for the podcast.

Brian Cox’s rep said: “Brian recorded audio for a project over a decade ago. He was unaware that the audio would be repurposed for a new podcast series in 2025.”

Malcolm McDowell’s manager said: “This project was recorded and released 15 years ago as an audiobook. We were unaware that it was being turned into a podcast until this week. We found out about it when everyone else did. We were never consulted, nothing was renegotiated, and we would not have approved.”

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