Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Oscar-winning actor and director Kevin Costner is set to take viewers on a spiritual and historical journey with his latest special, "Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas."
The two-hour docudrama is scheduled to premiere on ABC on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
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The show offers an in-depth and realistic perspective on the story of the Nativity, a narrative that has been told countless times but rarely explored with such historical and emotional detail.
Following its television premiere, "Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas" will also be available to stream exclusively on Hulu and Disney+ starting December 10, 2025.
Costner himself serves as host and narrator, guiding viewers through dramatic re-enactments and insights from Christian scholars.
Kevin Costner's Vision in a Christmas Story
Kevin Costner had a clear vision for "The First Christmas": a retelling of the Nativity story with a focus on realism, faith, and emotional depth.
Costner wanted to present a deeper and more historical Christmas narrative, a departure from the typical lighthearted holiday film.
“We all think we know [the story],” Costner tells USA TODAY.
“We all wait for this time of year and then we get mad at it, too, because now it’s ‘so much stuff I have to do, and I hate this.’ It's ‘too many people are coming to the house.’ There's this other story that changed the world, a lot of the world.”
He sought to remind viewers that the characters in the story were real people in perilous circumstances, not just the stained-glass figures we often see.
As host and narrator, Kevin Costner began the show by recalling his childhood in nativity plays, sharing personal reflections on the meaning of faith, family, and joy.
These include the role of the evil King Herod, the hardships Mary and Joseph faced on their journey, and the length of time it took the Magi to reach Bethlehem.
Unique Format, Historical Detail, and Casts Involved
"The First Christmas" special combines three key elements that make it unique: narration by Kevin Costner, dramatic re-enactments, and commentary from Christian scholars.
The dramatic re-enactments depict the journey of Mary and Joseph, highlighting their hardships, trials, and triumphs surrounding the birth of Jesus.
In addition, the show features interviews with Catholic and Protestant theologians, as well as Christian scholars, who provide insight into the historical and spiritual context behind the story.
"The First Christmas" also shows Simeon meeting Jesus in the temple and suggests that the Magi visited Him when He was a toddler or young child, a view held by many biblical scholars.
"Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas" is supported by a talented cast, who bring to life the key characters in the Nativity story.
Director David L. Cunningham successfully directs the actors to deliver powerful and emotional performances.
The production chose Morocco as its filming location, a smart decision considering its landscape resembles ancient Israel.
The main cast of this docudrama includes:
- Kevin Costner as Narrator
- Gia Rose Patel as Maria
- Ethan Thorne as Joseph
- Anthony Barclay as King Herod
- Saif Al-Warith as Angel Gabriel
- Ibrahim Elouahabi as Young Shepherd Obed
- Robert Goodman as Simeon
- Mansour Badri as Magi Melchior
- Hamid Boutbaldine as Magi Gaspar
- Mohamed Bamoula as Magi Balthazar
- Corinne Furman as Cousin Rachel
- Kods Joundoul as Anne
- Mohamed Zouaoui as Joachim
- Sinan Sicimoglu as Panthera
- Abdellatif Chaouqi as Asher
- Madi Grace Cunningham as Queen Mariamne
- Meher Baluch as Salome
Content Warning and Initial Critics Reception
"Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas" has a running time of approximately 84 to 90 minutes and has been described as having scenes of "gritty" violence.
While centered on the Christmas story, the show does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the time, including the violence perpetrated by King Herod.
The violent scenes include the murder of children and adults, as well as depictions of bloodied bodies.
Parents may want to consider their children's readiness before allowing them to watch, especially given the frank and uncensored depictions.
Early reviews noted that the show remains true to the biblical story while filling in some gaps with informed historical details.
The show was praised for keeping "Christ in Christmas" the central focus, presenting an honest and uncynical approach to the story.
"The First Christmas" is expected to provide a profound and thought-provoking viewing experience for all viewers.