Brian Cox, Kristen Bell Unaware Voices Would Be Used in Fox news’ ‘Life of Jesus‘ podcast
LOS ANGELES, November 29, 2024 – Brian cox, the Golden Globe-winning actor known for his role in Succession, and Kristen Bell were reportedly unaware their voice work for a 2010 audio Bible production would be licensed to fox News audio for a new podcast, The Life of Jesus.The revelation comes as Fox News Audio prepares to launch the 52-episode podcast,debuting Sunday,November 30 via its Fox Faith platform.
The actors’ lack of knowledge highlights a growing concern among performers regarding the repurposing of their work, particularly when associated with politically charged media outlets.While Gulfstream Studios originally produced The Life of jesus Podcast from The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible, licensed by Fox News Audio, several actors involved in the initial 2010 project-including Cox, Bell, and John Rhys-Davies-say they were not informed of Fox’s ultimate involvement. This situation raises questions about consent and transparency in licensing agreements for voice actors.
Cox’s representative confirmed to Deadline that the actor was unaware of Fox’s involvement when he recorded his part for The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible, originally released by Ignatius Press. Bell’s representative echoed this sentiment to Rolling Stone, stating she did not approve of Fox repurposing the podcast. Rhys-Davies also told Rolling stone he only recently learned of Fox’s participation.
A Fox news spokesperson stated that the podcast was produced “with full cooperation and participation by all the actors involved,” a claim disputed by the actors’ representatives.
Hosted by Fox & Friends‘ Ainsley Earhardt, The Life of Jesus Podcast features a cast of over 100 actors, including Neal McDonough as Jesus, Malcolm McDowell as Caiaphas, and Julia Ormond as Mary Mother of god. The original Truth & Life audio Bible, still available on the Ignatius Press online store, includes a foreword from the late Pope Benedict XVI.
