Refreshing Twist: Hollywood Puts Jesus at the Center of a Christmas Film

By Randy DeSoto September 14, 2023 at 12:34pm

In a surprising move, a major Hollywood studio will be releasing a Christmas movie in November that’s actually about Jesus Christ.

“Journey to Bethlehem” looks like a fun retelling of the birth of Jesus by Affirm Films, a division of Sony Pictures.

Antonio Banderas is the most recognizable face in “Journey to Bethlehem,” playing the wicked King Herod.

Fiona Palomo plays Mary and Milo Manheim is Joseph.

The popular Christian singer Lecrae is Gabriel in “Journey to Bethlehem.”

Affirm released a trailer for the film on Wednesday.

The movie looks to have a similar feel to “High School Musical,” which is not surprising, given Peter Barsocchini, the screenwriter of those productions, co-wrote the script for “Journey to Bethlehem.“

The other co-writer and director of the film is Adam Anders, who worked as a music producer on the television series “Glee,” Variety reported.

Are you glad to see more Christian films from Hollywood?

“I have had a dream to create a Christmas musical for years and to see it come to life with a stunning cast has exceeded every expectation,” Anders told the outlet. “We could not be more excited for this film to be a classic for years to come.”

Manheim added: “I hope this music goes down in history because I’m going to be listening to it for a long time. It’s one of the best musicals I’ve ever been a part of.”

Here’s the first look at the poster for the brand-new Christmas musical, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM! See it exclusively in theaters starting November 10! pic.twitter.com/BmcScVEaSH

— Journey To Bethlehem Movie (@JTBMovie) September 13, 2023

“Journey to Bethlehem” will likely introduce many people to the Christmas story who may have never heard it before.

The film opens in theaters on Nov. 10.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

Christmas, Entertainment, Faith, God, Hollywood, Jesus Christ, The Bible

Randy DeSoto

Senior Staff Writer

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he joined the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto is the senior staff writer for The Western Journal. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars