National Geographic Channel has announced many of the cast members for its upcoming TV movie, Killing Jesus, based on the 2013 best-selling book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.
The film will chronicle 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 death.
Kelsey Grammer takes the role of King Herod, the Roman King of Judea who attempted to kill Jesus at his birth.
Stephen Moyer will portray Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who ordered Jesus' crucifixion.
John Rhys Davies is Annas, a high priest in Jerusalem who first questioned Jesus and his teachings.
The project films this fall under the guidance of U.K.-based director Chris Menaul, with a teleplay from Oscar- and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Walon Green.
"The film Killing Jesus will break new ground in chronicling the life of the most famous human being who ever lived," said O'Reilly, who also serves as an executive producer.
Killing Jesus is expected to premiere on National Geographic Channel in 2015.
