Legendary Voice Actor, Jim Cummings voices St. James the Greater and Pharisee Hillel in Angel Studios’ ‘The King of Kings‘ out Friday, April 11, 2025.
I had the privilege of catching up with Jim Cummings, the renowned voice actor known for his iconic roles as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Darkwing Duck. Cummings recently lent his voice to a Biblically inspired animated project, ‘The King of Kings‘, exploring the life of Jesus Christ through the lens of renowned writer Charles Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh). The film, inspired by Dickens’ 
short story ‘The Life of Our Lord‘, tells the poignant tale of Jesus Christ as narrated by Dickens to his young son, Walter (voiced by Roman Griffin Davis).
In ‘The King of Kings‘, Cummings portrays pivotal Biblical characters, including Apostle James the Greater and Pharisee Hillel. It’s a project that resonates with Cummings on a personal level, especially considering that he and I full acknowledge it is the greatest story every told.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Oscar Isaac as Jesus Christ, Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas, Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Uma Thurman as Catherine Dickens, Forest Whitaker as Peter, along with voice acting legends Mark Hamill as King Herod, James Arnold Taylor as Melchior the Magi, Apostles Matthew, Thomas, and Phillip, as well as a young Jesus Christ, Dee Bradley Baker as Willa the cat, Vanessa Marshall as Mary of Bethany and Fred Tatasciore as Pharisee Eleazar. The ensemble cast elevates the film, bringing an added layer of depth and gravitas to the emotional narrative.
Cummings discussed his approach to voicing such significant historical figures, noting how each character brings its own challenges and nuances, whether Biblical or Secular. He also mentions how stepping into this role, was like revisiting his days as an altar boy.
As ‘The King of Kings‘ is a beautiful blend of history, religion, and the artistry of animation, Cummings’ involvement in this film adds another layer of authenticity to the telling of such an important story. His voices breathe life into these Biblical characters, ensuring that their stories resonate with modern audiences while staying true to their original messages of hope, faith, and love.
If you’re a fan of Cummings’ extensive voice work or simply seeking a family friendly retelling on the life of Jesus Christ, ‘The King of Kings‘ is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Follow Jim Cummings on Instagram @jimcummings.
Follow Jim Cummings Podcast Toon’d In with Jim Cummings on YouTube.
‘The King of Kings‘ comes to theaters on Lazarus Friday, April 11, 2025 from Angel Studios.
