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MOVIES

Morgado's 'Hot Jesus': Everywhere on Easter

Bryan Alexander
USA TODAY
Diogo Morgado plays Jesus in the film "The Bible" by executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.

On Easter weekend, Diogo Morgado portraying Jesus Christ is on screens everywhere.

Morgado is the star of Son of God, by executive producers Mark Burnett and wife Roma Downey, which continues to thrive in theaters, pulling in $59 million since its debut Feb. 28.

Downey believes there will be a "spike" in attendance at theaters this weekend because of the spiritual holiday for a film that has already proved a box-office force.

"People are in that head-space and in that heart-space. It's that time of the year where people are much more reflective and much more open to connecting with their faith," says Downey. "People come together with their families to celebrate Easter. What better way to celebrate than to spend a few hours going on the journey of Christ's life."

The theatrical film originated from the History Channel series The Bible, which was also by Burnett and Downey. That series, which covers the Old Testament and New Testament, will also be re-airing this weekend. Morgado's The Bible performance as Jesus will air over Easter Sunday on the channel.

Downey predicts Son of God and The Bible will become staples of Easter holiday viewing just as The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) are annual staples.

"Both of those are fantastic viewings, but they are dated," Downey says of the older productions. "For this generation of moviegoers, this is an opportunity to breathe fresh visual life into the story of Jesus."

Of course, the airing also presents an opportunity to see the Portuguese actor Morgado, who has been dubbed "Hot Jesus" in the popular media because of his model good looks.

"He's a good-looking guy," says Downey. "But that diminishes what he brought to the role to see only the superficial beauty. His real beauty is the living compassion he brought."

Downey says Morgado does not seem to know that he is "stunningly good looking."

"Good-looking actors normally know they are good looking; there's a slight trace of a swagger," says Downey. "But (Diogo) is completely without vanity, swagger or any sense of narcissism. He just brings humility and tenderness."

As well as a performance that Downey calls "enduring."

"For many people, when they close their eyes and think of the Lord, it's Diogo's face they will now see," she says.

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