By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In a lively exchange, Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine caught up with the legendary actor John Rhys-Davies—the voice behind Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sallah in the Indiana Jones franchise, and countless other iconic roles. With his unmistakable, richly textured baritone, Rhys-Davies is lending his narration talents to THE CHRIST, a groundbreaking four-part audio podcast epic from Faith Podcast Network that reimagines the life of Jesus of Nazareth through immersive sound.
Set for release during Holy Week 2026, THE CHRIST drops its episodes daily to build anticipation and reflection leading into Easter:
- Episode 1: “Wickedness Killed Him” – Monday, March 30th
- Episode 2: “The Wait Was Over” – Tuesday, March 31st
- Episode 3: “A Different Kind of God” – Wednesday, April 1st
- Episode 4: “He Was Always the Christ” – Thursday, April 2nd
This timing makes the full series available ahead of Good Friday on April 3rd, inviting families and listeners everywhere to experience the Gospel narrative—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—in a fresh, cinematic way. Free access is available wherever podcasts are streamed or directly at TheChristPodcast.com.
The star-studded cast brings profound depth to the production:
- Tom Pelphrey (Ozark, Iron Fist, Love & Death) as Jesus
- David Oyelowo (Selma, A United Kingdom, Jack Reacher) as Pontius Pilate
- Paul Walter Hauser (Richard Jewell, I, Tonya, Black Bird) as John the Baptist
- Courtney Hope (The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives) as Mary, mother of Jesus
- Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle) as Host
- John Rhys-Davies as Narrator
Written by Paul G. Cuschieri, produced by Mark Ramsey and Jim Young, and directed by Mark Ramsey and Paul G. Cuschieri, the series features over 100 characters, original stirring music, spatial audio soundscapes, and theological integrity to deliver an emotional journey equivalent to a feature film—all through sound alone.
Rhys-Davies spoke with passion about the privilege of narrating what he calls “the greatest story ever told,” a tale retold for over 2,000 years in catacombs, sermons, prisons, and by great actors. He emphasized the importance of making it fresh: “You have to sink the story,” he said, avoiding rote recitation to let its power resonate anew. He recalled cherished passages—like the angels announcing to the shepherds, where “the glory shone about them, and they were sore afraid,” followed by the comforting “Fear not”—that still evoke childhood memories and timeless wonder.
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The conversation delved into the historical stakes of Jesus’ era: the Sanhedrin’s fears of Roman backlash, the threat of rebellion, and the radical transformation through figures like Paul, whom Rhys-Davies described as an “intellectual firestarter” spreading a message of universal grace beyond Judaism. He highlighted Paul’s shift to blessing enemies and praying for persecutors, turning a localized faith into one for all humanity.
For aspiring storytellers—especially the young fans who swarm him at conventions—Rhys-Davies offered timeless advice: Pursue your true talents rather than chasing fame in a tough industry. Immerse yourself in books and theater to master words and intonation. Above all, banish shyness, which he called “vanity.” Instead, enter any room assuming others need reassurance—greet them warmly, compliment genuinely, listen actively, and use simple manners to make them comfortable. “If you can make strangers feel at ease,” he noted, “there are few things you cannot achieve.”
Rhys-Davies approached the narration straightforwardly: Trust the time-tested script, honor its depth, and deliver it freshly. The result? An invitation for listeners to step inside history’s pivotal moments.
As the interview closed with mutual appreciation, it underscored the project’s heart: a profound retelling of love, sacrifice, and redemption. From the courts of Rome to the hills of Galilee, THE CHRIST chronicles how one man turned suffering into salvation, forever reshaping love, power, and grace.
This Easter season, let THE CHRIST bring the Gospel to life—not seen, but vividly heard. A story for the whole family, perfect for shared listening and reflection. Tune in starting March 30th.
Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies is best known to film audiences for his roles in the 
blockbuster hits Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). He was introduced to a new generation of fans in the blockbuster trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) in the role of Gimli the dwarf. He has also had leading roles in Victor/Victoria (1982), The Living Daylights (1987) and King Solomon’s Mines (1985). John more recently was in Starbright (2023), The Gates (2023), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Documentary Now! (2023), Batman Unburied (2022) and Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2023).
