Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas – A Gritty, Reverent Retelling of the Nativity Story
In a holiday season often filled with lighthearted festivities, Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner has delivered a profoundly different Christmas experience with his two-hour ABC special Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas. Now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, the program has captivated audiences with its raw, historically grounded portrayal of the Nativity, earning praise for putting “Christ back in Christmas” while exploring the real human struggles behind the biblical account.
Costner, 70, serves as host and narrator, guiding viewers through the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they face hardships, trials, and triumphs leading to the birth of Jesus. Filmed in Morocco to evoke the ancient landscape of Judea, the special blends dramatic reenactments with insightful commentary from Christian theologians and scholars. Young actors Gia Rose Patel and Ethan Thorne portray Mary and Joseph as vulnerable teenagers navigating fear, societal judgment, Roman oppression, and King Herod’s paranoia – portrayed intensely by Anthony Barclay.
Unlike traditional holiday pageants or feel-good specials, this production strips away the gloss to reveal a “gritty and reverent” story. Reviewers note its intensity, with depictions of Herod’s violence and the couple’s perilous circumstances potentially too strong for very young children. Yet it remains faithfully aligned with Scripture, filling historical gaps with informed details – such as the likelihood of Jesus being born in a cave rather than a wooden stable – while emphasizing divine promise and redemption.
Costner opens the special with a personal touch, reminiscing about his childhood in a Baptist church where his grandmother directed the choir and his mother sang. At age 4, he made his “acting debut” as a shepherd in a Nativity play, with one line: “Hark!” This anecdote sets a warm, inviting tone, drawing in believers and the curious alike.
Critics and viewers have hailed it as “magnificent” and “life-changing.” On IMDb, it holds a 7.7 rating, with fans comparing it to high-budget versions of The Chosen or Ben-Hur for its balanced historical context. One reviewer called it “a masterpiece reborn,” appreciating Costner’s soothing narration and the educational depth. Social media erupted with surprise at Costner’s unapologetic faith-sharing, with posts like “I cannot believe Disney allowed that gospel message!”
In interviews promoting the special, Costner rarely speaks publicly about his religion but opened up thoughtfully. To Fox News Digital, he shared a cherished memory of surprising his hardworking father with a Silverado truck one Christmas, leaving clues that led to tears of joy – a moment of giving back that mirrored themes of gratitude and family. He emphasized wanting to “get below the surface” of the familiar story: “These were real people in dangerous circumstances, not just stained-glass figures. We’re talking about a young girl and a young boy – pregnant teenagers.”
Speaking to Deseret News, Costner said, “I’ve been a part of all kinds of stories, but to be able to narrate the birth of Christ, it seemed appropriate to me, given my history with the church.” He highlighted the story’s relevance today, offering hope amid adversity.
Directed by David L. Cunningham, the special underscores the “true meaning of Christmas” without shying from its challenges: Mary’s unwed pregnancy, the arduous journey to Bethlehem, the flight to Egypt. It culminates in joy but reminds viewers of the risks involved in God’s plan.
Families, churches, and individuals have embraced it as a thoughtful alternative to typical holiday fare. As one viewer noted, “It made living rooms silent as Bethlehem unfolded.” With its blend of drama, history, and faith, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas invites reflection on the origins of the season’s traditions.
Now available on Hulu and Disney+, it’s an inspiring watch for those seeking depth this Christmas.
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