Actor Antonio Banderas opened up about his desire to star in more biblical movies after starring in the newly released movie “Journey to Bethlehem” about Jesus Christ’s birth.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Banderas, 63, spoke about what it was like to play King Herod who, according to the film’s version, ordered his son to murder Jesus’ mother during her pregnancy. The son, Antipater, is played by Joel Smallbone, part of the Christian pop duo King & Country. The movie is in theaters now.
“I tried to understand him from a humanistic point of view. I tried to laugh at myself doing this horrendous man who only believes in himself; he doesn’t even believe in his son,” Banderas said.
He added, “He has the power … to do bad. He can snap his fingers and kill somebody. He’s the evil side of the movie.”
Furthermore, the Emmy Award winner expressed his interest in participating in more biblically based movies.
He shared:
“The Bible is filled with amazing stories of every kind. The Bible is one of the most complete books in the world in terms of stories of every color, of every dimension. It talks about hatred, love, betrayal and loyalty. There are a number of different stories in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, so I don’t know if I’m called to do something like that. I am interested in it.”
Banderas, who is a devout Catholic, according to The Christian Post, also shared the importance of love which was commanded by Jesus in John 13:34.
“I believe in the simple words of Jesus: love. If you practice that, with everybody in everyday life, the world will be a better place,” he shared.
Furthermore, Banderas expressed his love for the faith-based family-friendly film.
“I enjoy this one very much. It’s so joyful, so clean,” he said. “If my kids were 5, 6 years old, I would love to take them to see something like this on Christmas and take them home with a smile on their faces, and then they can ask questions about it throughout the day.”