A quiet recording from fifteen years ago has ignited a surprising controversy, ensnaring actress Kristen Bell in a project she never knowingly joined. This week, Fox News Media launched “Fox Faith,” a new venture into religious storytelling, unveiling its flagship podcast, “The Life of Jesus.” The series promised a sweeping audio journey through the life of Christ, featuring a cast of over one hundred actors.
The shock came when Bell’s name appeared on the press release, identifying her as the voice of Mary Magdalene. However, the actress and her representatives were completely blindsided by the announcement. They learned of the podcast only when Fox News reached out with an invitation for Bell to appear on “Fox & Friends” – a mere day before the public unveiling.
Crucially, Bell had never authorized the reuse of her earlier performance. The voice work originated from a 2010 dramatized audiobook of the New Testament, “The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible,” a project boasting a remarkable ensemble including Brian Cox and John Rhys-Davies. It appears Fox Faith’s “new” podcast is, in fact, a repurposing of this older material.
The situation raises questions about consent and transparency. A Fox News spokesperson stated the podcast was produced from a licensed audio Bible with “full cooperation and participation” from the actors. Yet, multiple actors are now stating they were unaware their previous work was being revived in this manner.
John Rhys-Davies, who voiced the Apostle Peter in the original audiobook, confirmed he only learned of the podcast this week. Even more striking, Brian Cox, the acclaimed actor who voiced God in the project, has publicly criticized Fox News in the past, reportedly calling it “the devil.” His representatives have stated he was also unaware of Fox’s involvement.
Malcolm McDowell’s manager echoed the sentiment, stating they were “completely unaware” the audiobook was being transformed into a podcast and would not have approved the reuse without consultation or renegotiation. The launch of Fox Faith, intended as a significant expansion into religious media, now faces scrutiny and questions about its practices.
The unfolding situation highlights a complex intersection of past recordings, licensing agreements, and the unexpected repurposing of artistic work. It underscores the importance of clear communication and consent when revisiting and reimagining creative projects, even those from years prior.
