Fox is teaming up with Tyler Perry to host and narrate a two-hour special about the end of Jesus Christ’s life.
The upcoming production titled The Passion, will air on Palm Sunday and will center around Jesus of Nazareth, focusing on the Last Supper and his betrayal by Judas to his trial by Pontius Pilate, conviction, crucifixion and resurrection. But, the historical account will come with a twist as the story will be set in mondern-day New Orleans, Tyler Perry’s hometown.
The entire story will unfold live in New Orleans’ most iconic locations throughout the city.
From Variety:
The story will be set in modern-day New Orleans, Perry’s hometown. It will unfold live at some of the Crescent City’s most iconic locations and feature a procession of hundreds of people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from Champion Square outside the Superdome to the live stage at Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. A cast of as-yet-to-be-announced stars will feature a variety of popular music, arranged by music producer Adam Anders (“Glee,” “Rock of Ages”).
“‘The Passion’ is both wonderfully entertaining and genuinely inspirational,” David Madden, president of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Company, told Variety reporters. “We are so thrilled to have the multi-talented Tyler Perry join us for this epic music production. He is the perfect host to lead the cast – and viewers – through the streets of New Orleans in this contemporary re-telling of a timeless story.”
But, this begs the question, will casting directors cast an African American to play Jesus Christ?
Recently, controversy was stirred after a politician created a diverse nativity scene featuring a ‘black Jesus’.
Lizzie Blandthorn, an Australian Labor MP, displayed a black doll as the infant Christ as part of a multicultural representation in her office’s window. However she has received a number of complaints from local residents who claim the doll was “changing what Jesus was.”
Fox has not commented on who will play Jesus Christ in the upcoming live event.
This news comes as NBC released The Wiz Live! to a huge audience which received praise both on and offline.
