Mark Hamill, the legendary Luke Skywalker actor from Star Wars, has taken on a brilliantly wicked new gig alongside former 007 icon Pierce Brosnan for an Easter treat.
New animated flick The King of Kings is gracing the big screen, with a roll call of A-listers like Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Oscar Isaac, and Roman Griffin Davis lending their voices.
Hamill steps into the shoes of the notorious King Herod in this fresh take on Jesus’s life, unveiled through the imaginative lens of Charles Dickens. Meanwhile, James Bond star Brosnan portrays Pontius Pilate, the man who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion.
The biblical villain Herod is known for his barbaric decree to massacre Bethlehem’s infants, aiming to eliminate baby Jesus. Hamill, diving into the complexities of this character, shared some insights ahead of the film’s release.
Discussing the part, Hamill commented in footage provided to Reach: “King Herod is obviously the ultimate villain: imperious, self-absorbed, threatened by anyone not acknowledging him as the one and only king.”
He added with a hint of amazement at his character’s depths: “He’s amoral, obviously. He’s willing to slaughter all these children under the age of two so, it’s rich…”
Exploring the perks of animation, he quipped about the physical impossibility of taking the role on-screen, saying: “One thing I love about animation is that you get to play parts you would never get to play on camera. I’d have to gain, what, 300 pounds to play this part? And that’s what’s so thrilling.
“Character actors are described as actors who disappear into the character and don’t see the actor… Well animation does that for you. You see a visual created by someone else.
“It’s so liberating to not be seen and you’re emboldened by your choices because the camera’s not right up in your face.”
Mark further commended the “sterling” cast, stating that he felt privileged to work with such prominent figures, reports the Mirror US.
A brief summary of The King of Kings reveals: “A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey.
“Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.
“The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.”
The King of Kings is in cinemas now.
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