In the realm of animation, bringing historical accuracy to life can be a daunting task, particularly when the subject is as iconic as Jesus and his disciples. Dominic Carola, the director of the upcoming animated remake of the 1979 Cru film "Jesus," faces this challenge head-on. The ambitious project, scheduled for release in time for Christmas 2025, aims not only to update the classic film but also to delve into the intricacies of historical details and technological advancements.
Carola and his team at Premise Entertainment, based in Orlando, Florida, have transformed their animation studio into what may be considered the world's nerdiest Bible study. Their commitment to authenticity goes beyond character design, delving into the nuances of first-century homes, the colors of noonday shadows in the Holy Land, ethnic diversity, and period-accurate clothing—a comprehensive exploration that extends even to beards and mustaches.
The challenges are myriad, as Carola acknowledges, stating, "We could be on the phone for a week if I were to go through all the challenges this movie presents." Telling the greatest story ever told in a mere 90 minutes demands precision and dedication. The team grapples with not just visual aesthetics but also the profound responsibility of conveying the gospel narrative faithfully.
The announcement of plans for the new film occurred at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, as well as simultaneous events in Seoul, South Korea, and Kampala, Uganda. The original 1979 film, conceived by Cru founder Bill Bright, set a record for the most-translated movie, and the new animated version is poised to continue this legacy. It is expected to be initially shown in 31 countries and subsequently translated into thousands of languages.
Josh Newell, executive director of the Jesus Film Project, sees the animated Jesus as an evolution in sharing the gospel, stating, "Even in 2023, we're sharing the gospel in new languages and new ways." The film project is a testament to the continual evolution of storytelling about Jesus, from traditional methods like the 'Romans Road' to the Gutenberg press and now through the medium of animated film.
The original 1979 film, starring Brian Deacon, underwent an extensive translation process, reaching 2,100 translations, with the most recent one in Waorani, a language spoken by indigenous people in the Amazon. It has played a vital role in evangelistic events globally, and while there's no reliable count of conversions attributed to the film, the impact is described simply as "millions."
David Platt, a Southern Baptist pastor and former International Mission Board president, emphasized the urgency of global evangelism, emphasizing the opportunity to use animated film—a medium that has evolved over time. The 2025 animated Jesus will leverage existing translations' audio but will not be a shot-for-shot remake. Instead, it aims to utilize animation's power to convey the story between the words effectively.
Crucially, the filmmakers are meticulous in their portrayal of Jesus. Cru leaders sought global feedback on aspects like Jesus' skin color, nose shape, and hair texture. Deep historical research, consultation with biblical scholars and archaeological experts, and consideration of various Christian artistic traditions have informed this crucial aspect of the project.
Newell, who has been part of Cru since 2005, recalls discussions about an animated film spanning two decades. The appeal of animation lies in its adaptability, appeal to younger generations, and versatility across viewing platforms. The research on the art history of Jesus played a decisive role in persuading Newell, demonstrating the timeless relevance of Jesus depicted in various cultural contexts.
Dominic Carola acknowledges that the project is more intense and involved than typical major studio projects. Still, he sees it as a unique opportunity to impact lives, stating, "The return on investment really attracts me because it's not about the money it makes. It's about the people it reaches."
As the animation team grapples with challenges comparable to climbing Mount Hermon, a metaphor Carola uses for technology, show complexity, and deadlines, they remain focused on the overarching agenda—depicting the life of Jesus with precision and reverence.
