James Arnold Taylor: Voices Biblical Heroes in 'The King of Kings' - Interview

I had the privilege of catching up with James Arnold Taylor, the renowned voice actor known for his iconic roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Fred Flintstone, The Flash, and Spider-Man. Taylor recently lent his voice to a Biblically inspired animated project, 'The King of Kings', exploring the life of Jesus Christ through the lens of renowned writer Charles Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh). The film, inspired by Dickens' short story 'The Life of Our Lord', tells the poignant tale of Jesus Christ as narrated by Dickens to his young son, Walter (voiced by Roman Griffin Davis).

In 'The King of Kings', Taylor portrays several pivotal Biblical characters, including Melchior the Magi, Apostles Matthew, Thomas, and Phillip, as well as a young Jesus Christ. It’s a project that resonates with Taylor on a personal level, especially considering that he and I share a common role. I, too, voiced Jesus Christ in Aramaic for another production, making this conversation even more meaningful as we both contributed to bringing the figure of Jesus to life in distinct yet powerful ways.

The film boasts an all-star cast, including Oscar Isaac as Jesus Christ, Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas, Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Uma Thurman as Catherine Dickens, Forest Whitaker as Peter, along with voice acting legends Mark Hamill as King Herod, Jim Cummings as James the Great), Dee Bradley Baker as Willa the cat, Vanessa Marshall as Mary of Bethany and Fred Tatasciore as Pharisee Eleazar. The ensemble cast elevates the film, bringing an added layer of depth and gravitas to the emotional narrative.

Taylor discussed his approach to voicing such significant historical figures, noting how each character brings its own challenges and nuances. "It's always an honor to portray such legendary individuals," Taylor said. "But what made this project special was the way Dickens shared these profound stories with his son, making them accessible and relatable."

As 'The King of Kings' is a beautiful blend of history, religion, and the artistry of animation, Taylor's involvement in this film adds another layer of authenticity to the telling of such a pivotal story. His voices breathe life into these Biblical characters, ensuring that their stories resonate with modern audiences while staying true to their original messages of hope, faith, and love.

If you’re a fan of Taylor’s extensive voice work or simply seeking a new perspective on the life of Jesus Christ, 'The King of Kings' is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Follow James Arnold Taylor on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jatactor/.

'The King of Kings' comes to theaters on Lazarus Friday, April 11, 2025 from Angel Studios.

#jamesarnoldtaylor #kingofkings #christian #catholic #orthodox #protestant #evangelical #interview #animation