Seal Cast as Pontius Pilate for Fox’s ‘The Passion’

Grammy Award-winning singer Seal has been set as Pontius Pilate on Fox’s upcoming live musical event “The Passion.”

With the role, he’ll join Tyler Perry, Chris Daughtry and Trisha Yearwood on Palm Sunday. Additional previously announced cast members include Jencarlos Canela and Prince Royce.

“The Passion,” written by Peter Barsocchini, tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s (Canela) life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of contemporary popular music, sung by the cast, and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and music producer Adam Anders.

Set in 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 (Daughtry), put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.

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The event will unfold live at some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations, while featuring a procession of a thousand people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from outside the Mercedes Benz Superdome to the live stage at Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

“The Passion” is produced by Dick Clark productions, Eye2Eye Media and Anders Media. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos, Adam Anders and David Grifhorst will serve as executive producers. Robert Deaton also will serve as executive producer and showrunner.

Fox’s “Grease: Live” musical followup premieres on March 20 at 8 p.m.