Apostle John Takes The Lead In Stunning New Jesus Movie
An animated feature film about the life of Jesus, titled Light of the World, is set to premiere in theaters this fall. The creators aim to blend biblical fidelity with artistic craftsmanship and family-friendly storytelling. Told from the perspective of the Apostle John, the film offers a fresh narrative angle on one of history’s most familiar stories.
Produced by Brennan McPherson of The Salvation Poem Project and directed by John J. Schafer and Tom Bancroft, the film uses traditional 2D hand-drawn animation rather than CGI. This stylistic choice was intentional, meant to evoke a timeless feel reminiscent of classic Disney films while reflecting the imperfections and humanity inherent in the Gospel’s message.
Depicting Jesus’ story, including his crucifixion, posed challenges in balancing authenticity with sensitivity for younger viewers. The filmmakers carefully chose how to portray difficult scenes, often implying events rather than showing them directly, such as having John turn away during the crucifixion to avoid graphic imagery while maintaining emotional impact.
The team stayed committed to scriptural accuracy, consulting theologians and ministry partners, though they included some fictional elements for narrative depth—like a subplot about young John losing tax money to heighten the significance of a miracle. Created by an international team, the project involved animation work in Ireland and music recorded in Budapest.
Light of the World comes amid a growing wave of faith-based media and will debut nationwide on September 5. The filmmakers opted for a theatrical release to reach a broad audience beyond the typical churchgoer, with proceeds directed back into ministry efforts. Complementary resources for churches and schools will also be available, and the producers are developing a faith-inspired video game to further engage audiences.