Podcast Adventure: A Famous Actor’s Take on Jesus

John Rhys‑Davies, known for playing Gimli in the “Lord of the Rings” films and a host of other well‑known roles, has turned his voice toward a new four‑episode series that tells the life of Jesus from prophecy to resurrection. The show, called “The Christ, ” is part of the Faith Podcast Network and features a cast that includes Tom Pelphrey as Jesus, Paul Walter Hauser as John the Baptist and Patricia Heaton as a host. The narrator’s deep, resonant tone gives listeners a dramatic sense of the story, while cinematic sound design adds to the immersion. The actor says he accepted the project because stories like this have been told for two millennia by people of all backgrounds—humble, frightened, confident, or charismatic. “It works because it is a great story and offers people clear examples of how to live, ” he explained. Rhys‑Davies, who has previously worked on faith‑based podcasts such as “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” and an audiobook of the New Testament, notes that his involvement does not reflect a personal adherence to all biblical teachings. “I would be a better person if I actually listened to those precepts and acted on them, ” he said. “But since I singularly fail to do so, I am very happy to try and persuade other people that they should. ”The four episodes aim to present the events recorded in scripture without the usual religious trappings. “If you really want to get into it then you really have to go back to the source itself, which is of course the New Testament and the Old Testament, ” Rhys‑Davies said. He compared listening to the podcast to gathering around a campfire and hearing a story come alive before any screen ever existed. “It’s a rattling good tale, ” he added, hoping listeners will feel inspired to revisit the original texts. Beyond his work on the podcast, Rhys‑Davies shared fond memories of Salt Lake City and his admiration for former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints President Russell M. Nelson, who led the church from 2018 until his death in 2025. He recalled performing at a Christmas concert there and meeting President Nelson several years ago, calling the encounter a privilege. The actor praised Nelson’s faith and his personal testimony of Jesus Christ, describing him as a good man with palpable goodness.