The King of Kings director Jang Seong-ho shared the behind-the-scenes on the glamorous voice grants cast.
Recently, an interview with director Jang Seong-ho of the film The King of Kings (produced by Mofax Studio, distributed by Distation, co-distributed by Citeus) was held at a cafe in Palpan-dong, Seoul.
The global hit K-animation The King of Kings, based on the life of Jesus, written by the exceptional British author Charles Dickens, features a glamorous lineup of voice actors from both Korea and North America.
Kenneth Branagh voices Charles Dickens, the narrator in the film, while Oscar Isaac portrays both Jesus and Satan, the extreme opposites. Uma Thurman took on the role of mother Catherine Dickens. Additionally, Hollywood representatives including Pierce Brosnan, Forest Whitaker, and Ben Kingsley participated.
In this regard, director Jang Seong-ho said, "I didn't spend much money on casting North American actors. It feels extraordinary that I was so lucky. Luck is mostly the factor, right? I was lucky again this time."
Director Jang credited casting voice director Jamie Thomasin, with whom he had formed relationships through his work in Hollywood, noting, "The attitude varies depending on who connects you. Fortunately, Jamie liked my project and was a Christian as well. Having worked at Disney for over a dozen years, he had good relationships with the people involved. At that time, Jamie said, 'I will use all the cards in my life for this movie.'"
Regarding the casting of Oscar Isaac as Jesus, he recalled, "Since the role of Jesus was undoubtedly the most important, I wanted to cast him first. There were several A-list actors on the list, but I saw Oscar Isaac in Dune. He had the image of Jesus on his face. Later, I found out he had received thorough Christian education from his grandparents since childhood."
He continued, "After tossing the script, I got a reply in five days. In Korea, getting a response in a month is fast, but this was truly impossible." He added, "Later, when I met him and asked how he could give a definitive answer so quickly, he said, 'I always wanted to play the role of Jesus someday, and when this offer came, I liked it so much that I thought I must participate.'"
Additionally, director Jang said, "I think the other actors were more positive, especially since it was about Jesus. That's why the casting went smoothly." He noted, "In fact, even in the U.S., I received many questions. There were many comments about how such a casting will not happen again. I also thought, 'Why did it go this far with such talented actors?'"
(To be continued in interview②.)
[Photo] Provided by Mofax Studio.
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