Roma Downey Casts Out Satan in 'Son of God'

By Desiree M. Mondesir
Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Son of God
Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Son of God

Roma Downey and husband, Mark Burnett have cast Satan out of their upcoming "Son of God" film.

The makers of "The Bible Series" which broadcasted on The History Channel, have set their sights on the silver screen with their spin-off movie, "Son of God." The miniseries, which aired in 2013, unfortunately suffered major backlash when actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazan who portrayed Satan took the screen.

Social media outlets were full of comments stating that Satan looked like President Obama.

Satan in the Bible Series
Satan in the Bible Series

"It was the third week of 'The Bible' series when Jesus finally appeared. There was great excitement that Jesus was coming--trailers and talk shows and even Twitter was buzzing with anticipation," said Roma Downey. "So Jesus came onto the screen and people went wild. He was beautiful and strong and kind and compassionate--everything we hoped for."

Jesus was portrayed by the Portuguese actor, Diogo Morgado, dubbed "Hot Jesus" on social media by countless young women across the nation.

THE-BIBLE-SERIES-HISTORY-CHANNEL.jpg
THE-BIBLE-SERIES-HISTORY-CHANNEL.jpg Movieguide.org

The former "Touched By an Angel" actress and Christian told TheBlaze that she felt the turn of events was directly correlated to spiritual warfare.

"It was all over the TV and all over the Internet and that next day, when I was sure everyone would be only talking about Jesus, they were all talking about Satan instead," she said. "I was saddened. It was really disappointing, because it became such a distraction and then it became ugly and people were making such nasty statements."

Roma Downey Son of God
Roma Downey Son of God

Downey, who also portrayed the mother of [the grown] Jesus in "The Bible Series," felt that the controversy caused the attention that should have been on God and His Word to, instead, be on Satan.

Furthermore, she told TheBlaze that the switch-up of attention was rather in character with Satan.

"I knew it was just like Satan the narcissist to make it all about him and create division," Downey said. "I am sure Satan loved being the center of attention for a day."

With this in mind, Roma decided to kick Satan out of the film, almost as fast as he was kicked out of heaven.

"I want the name of Jesus to be on the lips of everyone who sees this movie, so I cast Satan out," she stated in a way that only the native Irish woman could. "It absolutely gives me great pleasure to tell you that the devil is on the cutting-room floor."

It is not clear how or if the Temptation of Jesus will be portrayed in the film since Satan got the boot, at least in bodily form, but it is extremely likely the series adapted to film will be just as, if not, more enjoyable than the series made for TV itself.

Mark Burnett, the producer of many popular reality shows such as "The Voice," "The Apprentice," "Shark Tank," etc. has definitely hit the TV jackpot when he and his wife decided to produce "The Bible Series" so when "Son of God" debuts on February 28, it is sure to fare the same.

2014 is a big year for The Bible in the theater. With "Son of God" debuting this month, and "Noah," starring the award-winning actor Russell Crowe, debuting exactly one month later on March 28th, God is certain to be glorified in the theaters this year.

View the "Son of God" trailer:

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo