Ozark Actor Tom Pelphrey Takes on the Role of Jesus Christ in Epic New Holy Week Audio Drama

Ozark Star Tom Pelphrey Voices Jesus Christ in New Holy Week Audio Drama "The Christ"

Emmy nominated actor Tom Pelphrey, best known for his role in Netflix's "Ozark," is stepping into the most iconic role in human history: Jesus Christ. The 43 year old actor will portray the Son of God in "The Christ," a groundbreaking four episode audio drama set to premiere during Holy Week on March 30, 2026.

The series, produced by Faith Podcast Network, is being called the first ever full scale audio dramatization of Jesus' life. It spans His birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection across four immersive episodes featuring over 100 spatial audio soundscapes.

Pelphrey is joined by a star studded cast that includes David Oyelowo as Pontius Pilate, Paul Walter Hauser as John the Baptist, Courtney Hope as Mary the mother of Jesus, Patricia Heaton as host, and John Rhys Davies as narrator. The creative team includes writer and director Paul G. Cuschieri, co director Mark Ramsey, and producer Jim Young.

I was simultaneously so excited and deeply intimidated, truly in a way that I don't really get.

Pelphrey told The Christian Post that the audio format presented unique challenges, noting that actors must convey everything through voice alone while sitting in a recording booth.

The script takes a nonlinear approach, opening with the crucifixion before flashing back to key moments including the desert temptation and the miracle at Cana. Pelphrey said he focused on biblical accounts and the script to prepare, emphasizing that he wanted the performance to go "from my heart to someone else's heart."

The Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount are the most beautiful words ever written.

The actor described the experience as deeply spiritual, comparing the audio drama format to reading a book where listeners "get to participate with your imagination."

New episodes will release daily from March 30 through April 2, making the full series available ahead of Good Friday on April 3. "The Christ" will stream free on all major podcast platforms and at TheChristPodcast.com.

Tom Pelphrey Stars as Jesus in Free Easter Podcast "The Christ" Launching Holy Week 2026

The production marks a significant moment for faith based entertainment, bringing together Hollywood talent with cinematic production values in a format accessible to anyone with a phone. With more than 100 characters portrayed across the four episodes, the series promises the scope and emotional depth of a feature film delivered entirely through sound.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is exactly what we need more of. While Hollywood spends billions mocking our faith and producing content that degrades Christian values, here we have genuine A list talent pouring their hearts into telling the greatest story ever told. Tom Pelphrey could have taken any role, and he chose Jesus. Not ironically, not as satire, but with reverence and awe. The fact that this is free for anyone to listen to during Holy Week is a gift to every believer and every seeker out there. Share this with everyone you know. Let the world hear the Gospel told with excellence and conviction. This is how we take culture back.

Take Action

• Listen to "The Christ" starting March 30 at TheChristPodcast.com or on any major podcast platform and share it with friends and family.
• Leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help boost the series so more people discover the Gospel message this Easter.
• Share this story on social media using #TheChrist and #HolyWeek to spread the word and show Hollywood that faith based content has an audience.
• Support organizations bringing the Gospel to persecuted Christians worldwide at www.TheShepherdsShield.org.
• Invite someone to your church's Easter service this year and use "The Christ" podcast as a conversation starter about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.