A studio executive overseeing “Journey to Bethlehem,” a new musical about the nativity story, believes audiences will genuinely love the powerful way the Gospel story is told. Rich Peluso, executive vice president and head of AFFIRM Films, told CBN Digital, “It’s a full-on narrative, live-action musical with choreography, and dance, and joy, and fun, and a villain in King Herod played by Antonia Banderas.”

Peluso continued, “So, they can expect an incredible journey that is harmonious with Scripture.” He said Banderas, an interesting casting decision, was “high” on his wish list. After he and his team started pursuing the actor, they weren’t sure they would land him. So, they went to a theater Banderas owns in Spain, bought tickets to one of his shows, got backstage and talked to him.

Peluso said, “I think Antonio saw the passion of the producers and realized this music is very special. And we landed Antonio, and he brought magic to the character of King Herod.” The studio leader said Banderas brought “some really nice moments” that helped bring King Herod alive on the big screen, infusing comedic points into an evil character’s journey. “He provides a lot of comedy relief at the same time as being the villain,” Peluso said.

As for the general storyline, the AFFIRM leader said it was fun to dive into hypothetical explorations of what people around Mary and Joseph might have been thinking after she became pregnant. He asked, “We know Joseph’s reaction when he heard about Mary, but what was Joseph’s mom’s reaction? What was Joseph’s dad’s reaction? And what could have Mary’s parents thought about this?”

Banderas said about his role, “The character I play is fun, scary, and he’s cruel, and he’s tough. He can smell the change in the air. Something is going to happen that’s going to affect the world in which he thinks everybody should live. Something is happening; somebody is coming who is going to change that.”

The actor shared his enthusiasm for the movie on his socials: “Sweet, funny, freshly emotional. Proud to be part of ‘Journey to Bethlehem.’ Already thinking of Christmas.” In an interview with Newsweek, Banderas said, “The content is practically the same as the Bible, but we’re giving you the possibility to not be so dramatic about the Bible and to take a little bit of humor too.” Peluso said “Journey to Bethlehem” makes the exploration “funny,” “heartwarming,” and relatable. To find out more about the film, click here.