NGCI raises Jesus special

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has greenlit a two-hour religious special about the life of Jesus from a UK production outfit.

Juniper Communications’ Jesus Mysteries will examine what Jesus did during the years unaccounted for in the Bible. It will include dramatic reconstructions of events and will premiere internationally and in the US later in the year.

Hamish Mykura, exec VP and head of international content for NGCI, said the show would feature “an exceptional mix of strong storylines, a fresh perspective and a novel, artistic take on reconstructions that presents Jesus’s life in a new and compelling way.”

The special will be directed by Justin Hardy and star Nick Simmons in his first documentary role, following previous appearances on reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which aired from 2006 to 2012 on A&E.