Diogo Morgado as Jesus in History Channel’s “The BIble”
*Although producers of History channel’s “The Bible” miniseries raised eyebrows for the controversial casting of a satan who resembled President Obama, the actor who plays Jesus calls the situation “hilarious.”
“I don’t think that’s controversial at all, I think that’s so funny,” Diogo Morgado told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s just funny.”
Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni, who plays the devil, “did a nice job and it was awesome and never — not even for one second — were we even thinking about that, so I think it’s hilarious,” said Morgado. “At the same time, I think it’s just a sign of how successful the show is” because people are paying attention to “silly things.”
Before Sunday’s installment of The Bible, Ouazanni’s resemblance to Obama was first observed on Twitter by Glenn Beck, instantly sparking headlines about the striking physical similarity between the two.
“This is utter nonsense,” executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey said Monday in a statement, noting that Quazanni “is a highly acclaimed Moroccan actor. He has previously played parts in several biblical epics — including Satanic characters long before Barack Obama was elected as our president.”
The husband-and-wife pair stepped out alongside Morgado on Tuesday night for the opening-night gala for The Bible Experience, an exhibit in downtown Manhattan featuring photography from the mini-series as well as biblical artifacts by way of the Vatican and a giant, two-ton crown of thorns hanging from the ceiling.
L-R) Actors Diogo Morgado, Roma Downey and executive producer Mark Burnett attend “The Bible Experience” Opening Night Gala at The Bible Experience on March 19, 2013 in New York City.
When asked about the Obama/Satan flap, the veteran reality TV mogul reiterated that Ouazanni was not cast for his Obama-like visage.
“It’s all about the light,” emphasized Burnett. “Can you ask everyone to tweet Jesus? Because we want everyone to spread the light!”
Come on now Glenn Beck…..that says it all right there. They only watch programs to see what negative comments they can get out of it. This actor did not just began looking like President Obama.
Glen Beck is usually correct and heavily criticized by those who don’t want to hear it. If you want to see lookalikes watch anything by the Zuckers, HotShots, Airplane, Lethal Weapon etc.
I think the picture of the white actor playing Jesus is funnier than the Obama look a like. Another white Jesus now that’s hilarious!
@Platinum……Exaaaaaactly dude, exactly! Even “geography” reflects that JC could NOT EVER had been the “White image” they consistently perpetuate. So what does “that” say??, it saaaaays that YT is ANYthang BUT a….”believer”!! If they “did” believe?, they wouldn’t continue to LIE about his image or manipulate what’s clearly IN the book the claaaaaaim to “hold so dear”. Ish is KRA as cat shyt!!! But yet again….I digress. SMGDH!
diogo is absolutely correct, people pay attention to SILLY things, that is why REALITY shows are so popular!