Kristen Bell and several other actors say they were caught off guard when their voices were used in the new Life of Jesus Podcast, a religious audio series set to release Nov. 30 from Fox News Media.
The 52-episode project, produced by Gulfstream Studios, retells stories from the New Testament with immersive storytelling. The podcast also lists Sean Astin, Brian Cox, and Malcolm McDowell among its voice cast. According to Fox, all actors were fully involved in the licensing process.
Bell, however, claims she had no knowledge that her audio would be repurposed. Her representative told Rolling Stone that the actress had recorded the lines for a completely separate project 15 years ago and had only learned about the podcast when asked to promote it on Fox & Friends. Cox’s and McDowell’s reps confirmed the same scenario.
Rolling Stone reportedly obtained a producer’s note suggesting that actors were advised not to mention that the recordings were over a decade old, giving the appearance of recent production. Bell described feeling blindsided by the announcement and expressed her concern over the unauthorized use of her voice.
The incident raises questions about how older recordings are licensed and repurposed, highlighting the importance of transparency in audio licensing agreements. While Fox maintains the project was produced “with full cooperation and participation,” the actors’ accounts suggest otherwise.
Bell’s surprise reflects the delicate balance between intellectual property, consent, and public perception in the modern entertainment industry.
