‘God Cast This Thing’: Kathie Lee Gifford on Upcoming Movie THE WAY
By Movieguide® Contributor
TV star, actress and producer Kathie Lee Gifford revealed the unique casting process for the characters of Abraham and Sarah in her upcoming movie THE WAY.
THE WAY is a 75-minute symphonic telling of the Bible, highlighting key biblical stories through contemporary orchestral arrangements.
While the cast features many big-name Christian musicians, including Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Jimmie Allen, Larry Gatlin, and BeBe Winans, God called Gifford to something different for the roles of Abraham and Sarah.
“You certainly would like to have these big, big stars be a part of your project,” she shared.
Initially, she thought Amy Grant and Vince Gill should star as the biblical couple. However, after praying, God guided her to a lesser-known musical couple.
“He said, ‘Matt Baugher and Julie Roberts,’” she explained. “And I said, ‘But Lord, I love them, and they’re great singers, but I’m not going to get a lot of likes, they’re not going to sell a lot of tickets.’ They know that.”
However, God put them on her heart for these roles because “they understand the the pain of being barren. They were struggling…with fertility.”
At the time, she explains, Roberts was battling MS and “getting well into her 40s.”
“I said, ‘Okay, Lord, and I just obeyed, and I called them up,’” Gifford added.
The couple took on the roles, and “they came, they recorded their glorious voices” and filmed in October.
But God had more to add to their story than just being featured in Gifford’s film.
“I think about three months or so or four months later, they called me and go ‘We’re pregnant. We’re having a baby,’” Gifford recalled. “So it was God—God cast this thing.”
In a recent Instagram post promoting the movie, Baugher shared their side of the story, saying, “We filmed it BEFORE getting pregnant with Jackson. How amazing is that for the roles that we played? Friends, this project is astounding.”
THE WAY, from Fathom Events, will hit theaters for one night only on Thursday, September 1.
Movieguide® previously reported on Gifford’s new book, “The God of the Way,” which goes along with THE WAY:
Kathie Lee Gifford recently announced the release of her new book, “The God of the Way,” coming August 30!
The Movieguide® Award winner penned the book alongside her friend, Rabbi Jason Sobel.
Gifford announced the release of her book Instagram.
“Great news! My friend @rabbijasonsobel and I have a new book coming on August 30th titled The God of the Way!,” she wrote in the caption. “Join us as we discover the stories of key Biblical figures and how they continue to shape us all today. Merging the ancient with the modern, we analyze the story of God’s plan for mankind with historical and cultural insights. #TheGodOfTheWay is available for pre-order now via the link in my bio!”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
