Leading independent distributor All3Media International and award-winning production company Nutopia have announced the international expansion of the docudrama series Jesus: Crown of Thorns. The franchise expansion includes two new seasons set to debut on FOX Nation in the US.
Season one of Jesus: Crown of Thorns, a FOX Nation original, presents Jesus’s life through the lens of a gritty political thriller. Combining action-driven, character-led drama with compelling insight from renowned experts and faith leaders, the series reimagines the story of Jesus of Nazareth. Set amid the turbulent world of 1st century Judea, it portrays his rise as a revolutionary figure who clashed with the secular and religious powers that competed for control.
Season two explores Jesus’ ministry and the social unrest it sparked, marking the beginning of rising tensions with the Jewish religious authorities. The third and final season will depict the final week of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem, followed by his crucifixion and resurrection.
In addition to the new seasons, All3Media International has secured several international distribution deals. Hearst Networks Africa for pan-territory rights for Africa and a multi-territory acquisition by RTL covering Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Lichtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Specialist documentary channel DOX TV has signed rights for various Balkan territories including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Slovenia.
SVT in Sweden, RTP in Portugal, DR in Denmark and Michal Winnicki Entertainment in Poland have also signed rights, and Now TV has secured digital rights for Hong Kong and Macau.
Rachel Job, SVP Unscripted Content at All3Media International, commented, “We’re delighted to announce such a strong selection of initial deals for this captivating series. Nutopia is renowned around the world for its epic historical docudramas, so we knew a project that brought its team’s innovative storytelling to such a globally relevant topic would appeal to many broadcasters. With its dramatic, unique perspective on a story we all think we know, all underpinned by insight from world-renowned experts, Jesus: Crown of Thorns is sure to be a must-see for international viewers.”
Ben Goold, Executive Producer on the series commented, “Telling Jesus’ story in a bold way across a franchise is a rare creative opportunity. The world he lived in was gritty & complex – something we think will really connect with today’s audience. It’s been great partnering with All3Media International again as we continue to share this franchise with global audiences.”
Jesus: Crown of Thorns is directed by Hereward Pelling (The Lost Pirate Kingdom) Alex Dwiar is showrunner and Jane Root and Ben Goold serve as executive producers. All3Media International’s distribution of Jesus: Crown of Thorns continues the company’s ongoing partnership with Nutopia. Also in its portfolio are Nutopia’s immersive A World of Calm, true crime series Guiltology, and The Jesus Code, which deciphers the life of Jesus through extraordinary objects associated with his life and death.
