Thomas Nelson has announced plans for a 25-hour, 20-CD, diverse star-studded audio Bible production of the New Testament featuring the voices of Hollywood celebrities, including actor Jim Caviezel, who will reprise his role of Jesus from the blockbuster The Passion of The Christ.

Featuring the NKJV version, The Word of Promise: New Testament Audio Bible is scheduled to be released in October. The project is expected to rival Zondervan's successful Inspired By … The Bible Experience, featuring prominent African-American actors. Zondervan started shipping The Bible Experience in late September and has sold more than 70,000 copies.

The world's largest publisher and seller of Bibles, Nelson is collaborating with Falcon Picture Group (FPG) on The Word of Promise.

The brainchild of the project was Carl Amari, CEO of FPG, who is also a producer and distributor of audio dramas and founder of Radio Spirits Inc. Amari approached actor Caviezel to play the lead role of Christ after working with him on the family-friendly film Madison. Amari said Caviezel relished the chance to explore the character in a new medium.

Other stars expected to join Caviezel on The Word of Promise include Michael York (narrator), Richard Dreyfuss (Moses), Marisa Tomei (Mary Magdalene), Stacy Keach (Paul), Louis Gossett Jr. (John), Terence Stamp (God), Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Mary), Lou Diamond Phillips (Mark), John Heard (Matthew), Ernie Hudson (Peter), Luke Perry (Judas and Stephen), John Schneider (James) and Chris McDonald (Luke).

The dramatic audio-theater format will feature original music score by prolific Italian composer Stefano Mainetti. Dove and GRAMMY Award-winner Michael W. Smith is also lending his musical talents to The Word of Promise.

“The talent represented on The Word of Promise is amazing,” said Wayne Hastings, senior vice president and group publisher for the Bible Group at Thomas Nelson. “The vocal and music talents, combined with the highest level production value has resulted in a powerful presentation that will take listeners on an incredible journey through the story of the New Testament.”

The planned follow-up to the New Testament is the Old Testament, a 60-hour, 50-CD audio production with Richard Dreyfuss, Michael York and Terence Stamp already on-board to reprise their respective roles.

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