Stars Surprised as Old Recordings Resurface in New Fox News Jesus Podcast

A new religious podcast from Fox News Audio is causing unexpected controversy. Actors Kristen Bell and Brian Cox were announced as cast members. They say they had no prior knowledge of their involvement.

The project, “The Life of Jesus Podcast,” uses audio from a 2010 dramatized Bible recording. Fox News Media states it licensed the content properly with full actor participation. However, representatives for the stars tell a different story.

Voices Repurposed Without Knowledge, Representatives Say

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a representative for Brian Cox was blunt. They confirmed he recorded audio for a project over a decade ago. He was completely unaware it would be used for this new 2025 podcast series.

Cox’s team says he only learned about the podcast the day before its announcement. Similarly, Rolling Stone reports Kristen Bell was also surprised. Her team received a promotional request they had to decline, revealing the project’s existence.

Bell’s representatives say she recorded for “The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible” in 2010. They state she never gave permission for that audio to be repurposed into this new Fox series. The actors’ original work was for a standalone audiobook, not an ongoing podcast.

Fox News Stands By Its Licensing Agreement

In response to the concerns, Fox News Media issued a statement. They said Gulfstream Studios produced the new podcast from the licensed audiobook. The statement emphasized “full cooperation and participation by all the actors involved.”

The situation highlights the complexities of content licensing in the digital age. Old performance contracts can sometimes allow for repurposing in future media. This can lead to situations where performers are unaware their past work is being used in new ways.

The cast for the podcast is notably star-studded. It includes Sean Astin, Neal McDonough, and Malcolm McDowell. The first batch of episodes is scheduled for a November 30th release.

The unexpected use of their voices in the Fox News Jesus podcast has placed several actors in an awkward position. This incident underscores the importance of clear contractual terms for audio work. The repurposing of old recordings continues to be a contentious issue in the entertainment industry.

Thought you’d like to know

Which actors were surprised by the Fox News podcast?

Kristen Bell and Brian Cox were both unaware of their involvement. Their representatives confirmed the news came as a surprise to them. They had recorded the audio for a different project years earlier.

What was the original project the audio came from?

The voices were originally recorded for “The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible.” This was an audiobook project released in 2010. The new podcast licensed and repurposed this existing audio content.

How did Fox News Media respond to the controversy?

Fox News Media stated the production was handled by Gulfstream Studios. They emphasized the audio was properly licensed. Their statement also claimed full actor cooperation.

When will the “Life of Jesus” podcast be released?

The first 13 episodes launch on November 30, 2025. Subsequent batches of episodes will follow in December, February, and March. The rollout will be staggered across several months.

Who else is in the voice cast for the podcast?

The cast includes Sean Astin, Neal McDonough, and Malcolm McDowell. John Rhys-Davies and Julia Ormond are also featured. McDonough provides the voice of Jesus in the series.