Fox’s “The Passion” has found its Jesus, and its Judas.
“Telenovela” star Jencarlos Canela (pictured above, left) will play the son of God, and “American Idol” alum Chris Daughtry (pictured above, right) will portray the biblical figure who betrays him.
The two-hour live Palm Sunday music event will be hosted and narrated by Tyler Perry. Also previously announced, Trisha Yearwood will play Mary, mother of Jesus, and Latin recording artist Prince Royce is set to portray disciple Peter.
“The Passion” is written by Peter Barsocchini.
“The Passion” tells the 2,000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of popular music pieces, sung by the cast and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and hit music producer Adam Anders.
Set in the modern day, the event will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth as he presides over the Last Supper and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.
The live TV event will unfold across several New Orleans locations, featuring a procession of hundreds of people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from outside the Superdome to the live stage at Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.
“The Passion” is produced by Dick Clark Productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos, Adam Anders and David Grifhorst will serve as executive producers. Robert Deaton is executive producer and showrunner.