Summary
It has been 18 years sinceOscar Isaaclanded his first major role as Joseph in the 2006 biblical dramaThe Nativity Story –now he is set to voice Jesus himselfin the upcoming animated film,The King of Kings. The movie will depict the life of Christ as retold through the narration of Charles Dickens. It is inspired by a story published after the author’s death, and will be produced by South Korean animation house, Mofac Animation.
It won’t beOscar Isaac’s first animated movie role, nor his first foray into faith-based films. The actor proved that his on-screen versatility extends to the recording booth when he voicedAcross The Spider-Verse’smagnetic anti-hero, Miguel O’Hara. He is not the only recognizable name onThe King of Kingscast list. Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and voice acting legend Mark Hamill have also lent their talent to the film. But, for Isaac, the role is more symbolic:the connection between this new role and his breakout performance is a full-circle moment in a prolific career.
Oscar Isaac’s 10 Best Characters, Ranked From Heroic to Villainous
Whether audiences love or hate who he’s playing, there’s no doubting this man’s versatile acting.
Oscar Isaac Voicing Jesus In The King Of Kings Returns Him To Biblical Movies
Adapting Stories From The Bible Can Make For Epic Cinema
History has proved thatbiblical adaptations can make for powerful, cinematic storytelling.Instantly recognizable narratives combined with a pre-assembled emotive framework translate well on screen. The mixed response toThe Nativity Story,however, suggested that it had failed to capitalize on its rich source material. Many critics felt that, as a whole, the film fell flat, failing to capture the gravitas of the most important moment in the Christian canon.
It was, however, abreak-out role for Oscar Isaac, whose portrayal of the biblical figure earned him his very first credit in a feature film.The Nativity Storyemphasizes the humility of Joseph, the carpenter tasked with raising the Son of God. For Isaac, who was raised Christian, it was important to stress Joseph’s humanity. He even conducted his own research to help him develop his fresh-faced, vulnerable take on the character, reading from biblical history texts. At 27,the actor already showed a commitment to his craft that would see him soon become a household name.
Oscar Isaac’s Jesus Role Shows The Rise Of His Career
Portraying The King of Kings Is An Intimidating Task
There’s poetic irony in the fact that, having already played Jesus' earthly father, Oscar Isaac has been cast as Jesus himself. Even more sensitivity and skill will be required to bring this religious icon to life, andIsaac’s promotion from father to son is a nice reflection of his career trajectory.He will join a long list of actors who have taken on the mantle, from Max Von Sydow inThe Greatest Story Ever Told,to Jim Caviezel in the controversialPassion of the Christ. Isaac has proved himself capable of the challenge the role requires.
Isaac’s performance will be boosted by the gorgeous visuals provided by the animation team behindThe King of Kings.
The King of Kingswill clearly be a more family-friendly approach to the life of Christ, butjust because it is an animated film doesn’t mean it will be any less poignant.DreamWorks’The Prince of Egypt, for example, remains one of the most powerful depictions of a biblical tale to date. Isaac’s performance will be boosted by the gorgeous visuals provided by the animation team behindThe King of Kings.The project is being led by Seong Ho Jang, one of Korea’s most talented VFX artists.The artwork and stills that have been released anticipate a stunning film to match its star-studded cast.
The 18 years that have passed sinceThe Nativity Storypremiered have seen Oscar Isaac transition from an unknown face to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors. The 2006 film may not have been a critical hit, but it helped to raise Isaac into the spotlight. Now,it is his name being attached to a project which gives it credibility.The King of Kingsis still seeking distribution, but if anyone needs reassurance about the execution of this film, they need look no further than the cast list.
