Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey decide against stirring up controversy again

Feb 18, 2014 07:41 GMT  ·  By
Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni as Satan in “The Bible” and US President Barack Obama
   Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni as Satan in “The Bible” and US President Barack Obama

History Channel’s “The Bible” was a spectacular success with viewers at home, to the point where the show is even getting a limited theatrical release in a repackaged form. Since it’s clear that the formula is a winning one, producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are now gearing up for the premiere of this spinoff, “Son of God.”

However, one character you won’t see in the new series is that of Satan, as portrayed in “The Bible” by actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni who, incidentally, seems to bear an uncanny resemblance to US President Barack Obama, as the photo attached to this article can also confirm.

Satan first appeared on the series in March 2013 and the furor was instantaneous, with many saying that producers had chosen an actor who looked like Obama on purpose. They denied all such talk at the time, but they’re definitely going out of their way now to make sure they never invite such speculation again, The Wrap informs.

Satan has been left on the floor of the editing room for “Son of God,” says the trade publication. Despite what you might think of the decision, the producers say it has nothing to do with an apparent admission of guilt.

“Someone made a comment that the actor who played the devil vaguely resembled our president, and suddenly the media went nuts,” Roma Downey says.

“The next day, when I was sure everyone would only be talking about Jesus, they were talking about Satan instead. For our movie, ‘Son of God,’ I wanted all of the focus to be on Jesus. I want his name to be on the lips of everyone who sees this movie, so we cast Satan out. It gives me great pleasure to tell you that the devil is on the cutting room floor,” Downey adds.

“Son of God” is a “The Bible” cut down from 10 episodes of 1 hour, to a 2-hour film, which will arrive in theaters on February 28, courtesy of 20th Century Fox.