Killing Jesus actor Chris Ryman says new film makes Jesus more human and relatable

Killing Jesus' portrayal of Jesus Christ is more human, according to the actors in the film.(National Geographic)

National Geographic's Killing Jesus film offers a more human portrayal of Jesus Christ, according to the actors involved in the film, and they consider it a good thing as audiences will be able to relate to Him more.

Chris Ryman, who plays Roman guard Malchus says that "this is the first time we see Jesus as the man, not as this kind of spiritual divinity."

"Even though all that is there — and I think that's important, because the main teachings about Jesus was to teach men how you could become better," he told the Christian Post.

Ryman explained that when people see an angel or God, they will be awed, but when they see a regular man with all His capabilities, they will be able to say, "Wow, He's like me" and therefore find an affinity with Him.

The actor was impressed with the script when he first read it, since it is able to cater to the non-believers as well as the believers.

Fellow actor Alexis Rodney, who plays Simon Peter agrees with Ryman. He said that other films depicting the life of Jesus use lights and rays to convey a miracle, but Killing Jesus does away with all that. The movie's approach to miracles is more ambiguous, he said, so they are able to draw in a larger audience.

He said that ambiguity is important "especially with the younger generation who are far more skeptical and savvy."

Meanwhile, Joe Doyle who plays Judas Iscariot said that ambiguity in the act of miracles is not necessarily a bad thing since it gives the audience the opportunity to decide for themselves whether the message they are trying to convey is real or not.

"It's portrayed exactly that, it's ambiguous, but it leaves the question open whether it could be coincidence, which can be construed as miracle as well," said Doyle.

Killing Jesus will has its premiere on March 29.