The King of Kings presents a breathtaking reimagining of the life of Jesus Christ, uniquely framed through the literary lens of Charles Dickens and witnessed through the innocent perspective of a child. This animated epic blends spiritual grandeur with childlike wonder, offering a fresh yet reverent take on the greatest story ever told. With narration by Kenneth Branagh as Dickens himself, the film weaves together biblical truth and literary charm, creating a cinematic experience that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Featuring an all-star voice cast of award-winning actors, The King of Kings promises to be both a visual masterpiece and a soul-stirring journey. Below, we introduce the extraordinary talents behind this ambitious retelling.
Meet the Cast of The King of Kings
1: Oscar Isaac as Jesus Christ (Voice)
Oscar Isaac (Dune, Inside Llewyn Davis) brings his commanding yet compassionate voice to the role of Jesus Christ, capturing both the divinity and humanity of the Messiah. Known for his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances, Isaac’s portrayal will balance strength and gentleness, making Christ’s teachings feel intimate and universal. His rich, resonant voice is perfectly suited to deliver the Sermon on the Mount and words of redemption with power and grace.
Isaac’s previous work in epic dramas (Ex Machina, Star Wars) and introspective character studies (Scenes from a Marriage) makes him an inspired choice for this pivotal role. Listeners will be moved by his portrayal of Jesus—a guide, healer, and king unlike any other.
2: Kenneth Branagh as Charles Dickens (Voice)
Sir Kenneth Branagh (Belfast, Henry V) lends his iconic voice to Charles Dickens, the literary giant who serves as the film’s narrator and spiritual guide. Branagh’s Shakespearean gravitas and warmth make him the ideal storyteller for this unique framing device, blending Victorian eloquence with biblical grandeur. His narration will bridge the ancient world and 19th-century reflection, adding layers of depth to the Gospel narrative.
Having directed and starred in numerous period dramas (Murder on the Orient Express, Hamlet), Branagh understands how to make classic tales resonate with modern audiences. His presence ensures The King of Kings feels both timeless and freshly imaginative.
3: Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate (Voice)
Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye, The Son) voices Pontius Pilate, the conflicted Roman governor who presides over Jesus’ trial. Brosnan’s smooth yet authoritative delivery will capture Pilate’s moral ambiguity—a man torn between political pragmatism and a gnawing sense of justice. His performance will add psychological complexity to one of history’s most pivotal decisions.
Brosnan’s experience playing charismatic yet flawed leaders (The Ghost Writer, The Thomas Crown Affair) makes him perfect for this role. Listeners will hear the weight of history in every word.
4: Uma Thurman as Catherine Dickens (Voice)
Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill) voices Catherine Dickens, Charles Dickens’ wife, who provides maternal warmth and wisdom throughout the story. Thurman’s elegant yet nurturing tone will ground the film’s Victorian framing, offering a counterbalance to the biblical epic unfolding within.
Her ability to convey both strength and tenderness (The Producers, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing) ensures Catherine is more than a passive observer—she becomes a guiding presence for young Walter.
5: Mark Hamill as King Herod (Voice)
Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series) delivers a chilling performance as King Herod, the paranoid ruler who sees Christ as a threat. Hamill’s legendary voice-acting skills bring Herod to life with a mix of regal arrogance and seething menace. Fans of his iconic Joker portrayal will recognize the same mastery of villainy here.
Hamill’s ability to oscillate between charm and cruelty makes Herod a standout antagonist—one whose fear of losing power drives him to unspeakable acts.
6: Forest Whitaker as Peter (Voice)
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland, Rogue One) voices Peter, the passionate yet flawed disciple whose journey from doubt to devotion mirrors our own. Whitaker’s soulful, textured voice captures Peter’s impulsiveness, loyalty, and ultimate redemption, making his arc one of the film’s most emotionally resonant.
His experience with historical dramas (The Butler, Bird) and animated epics (The Lion King remake) ensures Peter feels both larger-than-life and deeply human.
7: Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas (Voice)
Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler’s List) embodies Caiaphas, the calculating high priest who views Jesus as a threat to tradition. Kingsley’s measured, commanding voice drips with political cunning and religious fervor, making Caiaphas a formidable adversary.
His mastery of playing complex figures (Sexy Beast, Iron Man 3) ensures Caiaphas is neither a caricature nor a mere villain—but a man convinced he’s protecting his faith.
8: Roman Griffin Davis as Walter Dickens (Voice)
Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) voices Walter Dickens, the wide-eyed child through whom this story unfolds. Davis’ innocent yet perceptive delivery will make Walter the audience’s surrogate, experiencing Christ’s miracles and sacrifices with awe and heartbreak.
His breakout role in Jojo Rabbit proved his ability to balance childlike wonder with profound depth—a skill crucial to this film’s emotional core.
Supporting Cast Highlights
- Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Darkwing Duck) as James the Greater / Pharisee Hillel – Bringing warmth and wisdom (or stern tradition) to these key figures.
- Fred Tatasciore (Avengers Assemble, Family Guy) as Pharisee Eleazar – A voice of legalistic opposition, rich with dramatic intensity.
- Dee Bradley Baker (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Phineas and Ferb) as Willa the Cat – A whimsical touch, likely serving as Walter’s companion in the framing story.
A Cinematic Event for All Ages
With its unprecedented voice cast, Dickensian narrative framework, and stunning animation, The King of Kings is poised to become an instant classic. Whether you seek spiritual enrichment, historical drama, or simply a masterpiece of storytelling, this film promises to deliver.
Prepare to witness the Gospel anew—coming to theaters April 11, 2025.
