The men who portrayed Jesus in major films and how their lives were impacted

The Carpenter's Son: Noah Jupe

There is controversy surrounding the horror film The Carpenter's Son starring Nicholas Cage as Joseph and Noah Jupe as "The Boy," who represents Jesus. Outrage and accusations of blasphemy abound.

Referring to Jupe's character as a boy and the son of Joseph is seen by some as a deliberate attempt to diminish the divinity of Christ, as outlined in scripture.

Jupe's reception in and his response to the role have yet to be determined. However, six male actors who have portrayed Jesus Christ in major productions over the past 60 years have shared their varied experiences of how their lives were impacted.

King of Kings: Jeffrey Hunter

Jeffrey Hunter played Jesus in King of Kings (1961). He admitted to wrestling all night with his soul about the role and thinking, "Dare I a sinner, portray Christ?" Hunter was chosen for his rugged strength and the humbleness with which he approached the role.

The actor was a youthful-looking 35, and was mocked with the slogan "I was a teenage Jesus," which hurt his career in later years. Hunter died at age 42 on May 27, 1969, after brain surgery that was needed after he fell and injured his skull.

The Greatest Story Ever Told: Max Von Sydow

Max Von Sydow portrayed Jesus in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). He said that he was expected to remain in character even when the filming day was done. He was not allowed to smoke or drink during breaks or be romantic with his wife on the set.

During the Crucifixion scene, he said something went wrong, and his back could have been broken if someone had not caught him before he fell. When filming was over, the iconic actor felt as though he had been released from an 18-month prison sentence.

He had no opinion about Christ when he began filming, but later, after reading the bible, he said he believed what was written. Von Sydow died at age 90 in March 2020.

Jesus of Nazareth: Robert Powell

In 1984, a Vicks Formula 44 television commercial aired where Chris Robinson, who portrayed Dr. Rick Webber on the ABC soap General Hospital, said: "I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV". Robert Powell, who had the role of Christ in the 1977 epic Jesus of Nazareth, had to take a similar stance.

He said that people began putting his image in churches, their homes, and vehicles. He became so unnerved that he gave public statements telling the public not to worship him. Powell stated that he was an actor who portrayed Christ in a film and that Jesus is Lord. Powell is 81 as of this writing.

The Last Temptation of Christ: William Dafoe

William Dafoe starred in an unbiblical reimaging of the life of Jesus in 1988's The Last Temptation of Christ. Straying from scripture led to director Martin Scorsese receiving backlash amid protests and chants of blasphemy. Dafoe was not called out for taking on the role.

He was praised by some, and wondered why people were making such a fuss. The only issue reported by Dafoe related to the controversial film was that he could only remain on the cross for three minutes at a time. As of this writing, the actor is 70.

The Passion of the Christ: Jim Caviezel

Jim Caviezel portrayed Jesus in Mel Gibson's 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ. He says he prayed to be closer to God and that the Lord told him if He granted the request, the actor would not like it.

During the Crucifixion scene, he was struck by lightning, and in another scene, his shoulder was dislocated. He also fell down and almost bit his tongue off. Cavizel says he was blackballed from Hollywood for taking on this role.

His response to the challenges was that those closest to Jesus ( specifically His disciples) suffer. The actor is now filming a sequel to his hit film titled The Resurrection of the Christ due for release in 2026 or 2027.

The Chosen: Jonathan Roumie

Jonathan Roumie has been portraying Jesus in the Netflix drama The Chosen. He has given the most detailed account of how the role has affected his life. The actor will not be seen as much in season seven as in previous years because he has become overwhelmed.

Like Robert Powell, some people have confused the actor with his role and are asking him for miracles. Roumie says playing Jesus is demanding, and he is experiencing a lot of spiritual warfare. Roumie, like Caviezel, has been open about his faith and love for Christ.