The special begins in the era of Jesus’ birth and chronicles his path as he spreads his message and amasses a following of devout believers. Eventually, through a mixture of “collusion, conspiracy and influence,” he is arrested and (spoiler alert) crucified.
“Killing Jesus” is the third collaboration between the National Geographic Channel, Ridley Scott‘s Scott Free Productions and Bill O'Reilly. The first two, “Killing Kennedy” and “Killing Lincoln,” stand as the two most-watched programs in the network’s history.
National Geographic Channel also released a trailer for “Killing Jesus” on Wednesday.
If, by some miracle, you’re not already familiar with the story of Jesus, get yourself up to speed by watching the video.
Rob Lowe Is 'Killing Kennedy': 10 Other Actors Who Played JFK (Photos)
Cliff Robertson, "PT 109" (1963): Oscar-winner Robertson ("Charly" and "Spider-Man" 1 and 2) portrayed JFK during his military years as a U.S. Navy officer in command of Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 touring the waters of the Pacific amidst World War II.
William Devane, "The Missiles of October" (1974): Devane ("Knots Landing," "24") portrayed JFK in this made-for-TV offering, which depicted the drama in the 1962 White House while the President's administration decided the best course of action during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Stephen Collins, "A Woman Named Jackie" (1991): Long before his stint as Rev. Eric Camden on "7th Heaven" (1996-2007), and even before he beguiled a young Keri Russell in "The Babysitter's Seduction," the actor played Kennedy. Collins did so opposite Roma Downey as Jackie Kennedy in the TV miniseries that focused on the FLOTUS.
Patrick Dempsey, "JFK: Reckless Youth" (1993): Believe it or not, Dempsey had other roles before he became McDreamy on "Grey's Anatomy." This includes his performance as America's dreamiest Commander-in-Chief during his early years before the presidency in this two-part TV miniseries, which aired on ABC.
Jed Gillin, "Forrest Gump" (1994): Audiences didn't see the actor in Robert Zemeckis' Oscar-winning drama, but they did hear his voice when Gump (Tom Hanks) met the president at the White House after drinking 15 bottles of Dr Pepper. The picture features Gillin on film before the John F. Kennedy's head was superimposed.
Tim Matheson, "Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis" (2000): The "Animal House" star played Kennedy in the TV movie starring Joanne Whalley as his First Lady, a woman of many names and facets, as the title implies.
Bruce Greenwood, "Thirteen Days" (2000): This Cuban Missile Crisis drama also starred Kevin Costner as Kenny O'Donnell, a top aide to JFK and the movie's protagonist.
Brett Stimely, "Watchmen" (2009): The actor makes a quick appearance as Kennedy when the White House extends its thanks to Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) for quickly ending the Vietnam War in Zack Snyder's superhero movie. Stimely also made brief appearances as the same president in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" and "Parkland."
Greg Kinnear, "The Kennedys" (2011): Kinnear played JFK opposite Katie Holmes as Jackie Kennedy and Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy on the eight-episode miniseries that aired on Reelz Channel. The piece went on to win four Primetime Emmys.
James Marsden, "The Butler" (2013): The "X-Men" actor played one of the many powerful Commander-in-Chiefs in Lee Daniels' civil-rights movement drama. The film centered on a White House butler who served eight presidents over the course of his career.
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Rob Lowe takes a dramatic turn as President John F. Kennedy in the National Geographic Channel’s “Killing Kennedy,” which airs Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8/7c. The made for TV movie spans from Kennedy’s presidential candidacy to his assassination in 1963. The “Parks and Recreation” star is also joining dozens of other thespians who have played […]