You’ve probably seen the old one. That 1979 JESUS film—the one that holds the Guinness World Record for being the most translated movie in history—is basically a staple in Sunday schools and remote villages worldwide. It’s a classic, sure. But let's be honest: for a kid growing up with Pixar and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the grainy, docudrama style of the 70s doesn't exactly scream "must-watch."
That is exactly why the new animated Jesus movie is happening.
It isn't just a low-budget Sunday school cartoon. This is a massive, $150 million undertaking aimed at a global theatrical release in December 2025. It’s being spearheaded by the Jesus Film Project, and they aren't playing around with the talent. We’re talking about veterans from Disney, Pixar, and even the Star Wars franchise.
The Vision Behind the New Animated Jesus Movie
The project, officially titled JESUS (2025), is a reimagining of that 1979 original. Why animate it? Simple. Global demographics.
The average age of the world’s population is around 30. People under that age consume media differently. They want immersion. They want high-fidelity visuals. Josh Newell, the executive director of the Jesus Film Project, basically said that animation is the "Roman Road" of our time. It crosses borders and age gaps in a way a dubbed 45-year-old live-action film just can't.
Who is making this thing?
The talent involved is what actually makes this interesting to film nerds.
- Dominic Carola: The director. He worked on The Lion King, Mulan, and Lilo & Stitch.
- Barry Cook: He directed Mulan and is handling the screenplay here.
- Armand Serrano: The production designer behind Big Hero 6 and Zootopia.
They are trying to strike a balance between "Golden Age of Illustration" aesthetics and cutting-edge 3D technology. Think of it as a mix of traditional artistry and the depth of modern CGI.
It’s Not the Only Game in Town
Interestingly, while the Jesus Film Project is aiming for late 2025, another film beat them to the punch. Light of the World, directed by Tom Bancroft and John J. Schafer, actually hit theaters in September 2025.
It’s a bit confusing for fans. You’ve got two major animated projects about the same person coming out within months of each other.
Light of the World focuses on the Gospel of John, narrated through the eyes of the apostle John. It uses a 2D-animation style that feels very classic. On the other hand, the new animated Jesus movie coming in December is sticking to the Gospel of Luke, just like its predecessor. It’s also much more focused on digital "redeployment"—meaning they are building assets for VR, AR, and the Metaverse from the start.
Why 2026 is the Year for Animated Faith Films
We are seeing a bit of a boom.
Maybe it’s the success of The Chosen. Maybe it's just that the technology has finally become affordable enough for non-major studios to produce high-quality work. Either way, these films aren't just being dumped on DVD. They are getting red-carpet premieres at the Museum of the Bible in D.C. and global distribution in thousands of languages.
The December 2025 film is launching in 100 languages initially. The goal? Over 2,100 languages within five years. That is a logistical nightmare, but it’s also a testament to how serious they are about global reach.
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Addressing the "Cringe" Factor
Faith-based media has a reputation for being... well, kinda cheesy.
Dominic Carola has been pretty open about the "fine line" they have to walk. How do you show the crucifixion without making it a PG-rated joke, but also without turning it into an animated version of The Passion of the Christ? They’ve spent years on focus groups. They’ve consulted archaeologists to make sure the faces and clothes don't look like a 1950s European painting.
They want it to feel authentic to 1st-century Judea. No blue-eyed Jesus here.
Practical things to know if you want to see it:
- The Release: Look for the major theatrical push in December 2025, with digital and streaming rollouts continuing through 2026.
- The App: The "Jesus Film Insider" app is where they are dropping behind-the-scenes updates and production clips.
- The Languages: While it starts in English, it will quickly be dubbed into Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and others.
If you’re interested in the intersection of tech and faith, keep an eye on the VR components. The producers are planning to let users "walk" through scenes of the movie using headsets. It's a weird, futuristic way to engage with a 2,000-year-old story.
To stay ahead of the release, download the Jesus Film Project app to see their current library and get notified when the animated feature hits your local listings. You can also follow the production's official site to see if any local theater buyouts or community screenings are happening in your area.