{"id":30080,"date":"2023-11-16T12:05:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T17:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/?p=30080"},"modified":"2023-11-16T12:05:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T17:05:18","slug":"how-antonio-banderas-got-the-role-of-king-herod-in-journey-to-bethlehem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2023\/11\/how-antonio-banderas-got-the-role-of-king-herod-in-journey-to-bethlehem.html","title":{"rendered":"How Antonio Banderas Got the Role of King Herod in ‘Journey to Bethlehem’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A studio executive overseeing \u201cJourney to Bethlehem,\u201d a new musical about the nativity story, believes audiences will genuinely love the powerful way the Gospel story is told. Rich Peluso, executive vice president and head of AFFIRM Films, told CBN Digital, \u201cIt\u2019s a full-on narrative, live-action musical with choreography, and dance, and joy, and fun, and a villain in King Herod played by Antonia Banderas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peluso continued, \u201cSo, they can expect an incredible journey that is harmonious with Scripture.\u201d He said Banderas, an interesting casting decision, was \u201chigh\u201d on his wish list. After he and his team started pursuing the actor, they weren\u2019t sure they would land him. So, they went to a theater Banderas owns in Spain, bought tickets to one of his shows, got backstage and talked to him.<\/p>\n

Peluso said, \u201cI think Antonio saw the passion of the producers and realized this music is very special. And we landed Antonio, and he brought magic to the character of King Herod.\u201d The studio leader said Banderas brought \u201csome really nice moments\u201d that helped bring King Herod alive on the big screen, infusing comedic points into an evil character\u2019s journey. \u201cHe provides a lot of comedy relief at the same time as being the villain,\u201d Peluso said.<\/p>\n