Cliff Curtis has had a wild journey from growing up in New Zealand to playing the Son of God in Risen. We caught up with the versatile actor for an exclusive video interview where the star shares insight into the “miracle” that brought him to the set of the Kevin Reynolds directed biblical drama that chronicles what happened to Jesus Christ in the days after his crucifixion.
Curtis is Yeshua, Jesus’ Hebrew name, and his journey is chronicled in an almost detective-type story way by Joseph Fiennes’ Clavius. Jesus’ body is missing after he is pronounced dead and it is up to Clavius, the highly decorated Roman soldier, to get answers for Pilate (Peter Firth).
For believers and non-believers, it’s a fascinating take on a story that we all think we know (review to come tomorrow, release day — February 19).
The New Zealander also shares his simultaneous joy and deep concern about playing a figure who he told us was his “superhero” growing up. Curtis did not live a world with Superman and Batman saving the day. For him, it was always Jesus. Therefore, this role, according to the star, was quite “spiritual.”
Curtis is currently starring in the AMC hit Fear the Walking Dead, Curtis is no stranger to working on TV and film. After all, he’s the guy who wowed us in 24 and then blew our minds in Training Day. Where Curtis goes next, after witnessing his power in what could have been the most thankless of roles in Risen, we’ll follow him anywhere.