Tracy Morgan, Kelly Clarkson Join Oprah and Tyler Perry in Cast of Nativity Film 'The Star'
A new animated film about "the greatest story ever told" features an all-star cast that includes Kelly Clarkson, Tracy Morgan, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry who share the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
During the National Religious Broadcasters' Christian media convention in Orlando, Florida, last week, The Christian Post attended a private screening of "The Star" trailer. The viewing showed the trailer in its early stages, but highlighted the comedic animated film that follows the animals that witness the first Christmas.
Executive producer DeVon Franklin said even though the film said His hope is to present "the greatest story ever told" to this generation of children, noting that the last animated Bible story done on a major scale was "The Prince of Egypt."
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During the trailer screening, Franklin shared the names of the A-list cast for "The Star." The movie will feature Steven Yeun as Bo the donkey, Kelly Clarkson as Leah the horse, Anthony Anderson as Zach the goat, comedian Gabriel Iglesias as Rufus the dog, Kris Kristofferson as the Old Donkey, Gina Rodriguez as Mary (Mother of Jesus), Zachery Levi as Joseph, Oprah Winfrey as Deborah, Tyler Perry as Cyrus and Tracy Morgan as Felix.
Franklin confessed that he wanted to ask Winfrey to play one of the funnier farm animals. But he was advised not to out of respect for her legacy, so she was given another role to play.
"The Star" movie page and social media accounts report that the film will be released in November, but no specific date has been set, according to Franklin.
The film, according to its synopsis, follows "a small but brave donkey named Bo [who] yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow 'The Star' and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told — the first Christmas."
"The Star" is directed by Academy Award-nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart ("Head Over Heels"); executive-produced by DeVon Franklin ("Miracles from Heaven") and Lisa Henson and Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company); and the screenplay was written by Carlos Kotkin with digital animation by Cinesite Studios.
For more information about the film, click here.
