The cast of the upcoming miniseries "Killing Jesus" recently discussed their roles and the significance of the project ahead of its March 29 premiere.
"The Visitor" actor Haaz Sleiman, who plays Jesus in the series, said that the role has allowed him to experience God in ways that he never had before.
"There is something about what you put out and what comes to you," he explained. "God created me. And the closest I will ever get with God is this soul, this body. And if I don't have myself, if I don't listen to myself, if I don't trust myself, then I don't trust God because God created me."
Sleiman, who was raised in the Islamic faith, also admitted that playing God's son "is one of those times in your life you really see God and it freaks you out a little bit."
The Lebanon native has previously described the significance of Jesus to Muslims, and brushed off criticism of him being cast in the important role.
"Killing Jesus" is based on the best-selling book by television host Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, and also stars Kelsey Grammer as King Herod and Stephen Moyer as Pontius Pilate. "Exodus: Gods and Kings" director Ridley Scott is one of the executive producers.
In regards to his role, Moyer provided his own interpretations of the thoughts and feelings of the Judaean prefect.
"[Pilate was] forced into this situation because of Caiaphas," he explained . "I think he can understand why Jesus is a threat but he doesn't understand why has to die.
"This story has created so many changes within our world," Moyer continueed. "It still has resonance whether one believes or not."
The three-hour event will depict the life and death of Jesus, and will air on the National Geographic Channel on Sunday.
