Kristen Bell Had 'No Idea' Voice Would Be Used on Fox Podcast
Kristen Bell speaking during an FYC panel for "Nobody Wants This" at Televerse 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo courtesy of Kevin Paul under CC BY 4.0.
In a surprising twist that has stirred curiosity and controversy, actress Kristen Bell recently discovered that her voice is featured in an upcoming Fox News Media podcast series titled "The Life of Jesus Podcast." The series, set to premiere on November 30, 2025, is a 52-episode dramatized retelling of New Testament stories. What makes this revelation particularly intriguing is that Bell says she never gave permission for her voice to be used in this project, having recorded the material 15 years ago for a completely different production.
The Unexpected Reuse of Celebrity Voices
The podcast, produced by Gulfstream Studios and licensed by Fox News Audio, features over 100 notable actors voicing biblical characters. Alongside Bell, other well-known names such as Sean Astin, Brian Cox, and Malcolm McDowell are also part of the cast. However, representatives for these actors have stated that they were unaware their voices would be repurposed for this new podcast series, as reported by PEOPLE.
Kristen Bell's representative clarified that the actress recorded her parts for a separate project called "The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible: New Testament" back in 2010. Bell was reportedly unaware of the podcast's existence "until she was asked to promote it on Fox & Friends," as reported by PEOPLE, just a day before Fox News publicly announced the series. This lack of prior knowledge and consent raises questions about licensing agreements, actor permissions, and the reuse of archival audio in faith-based media.
Licensing Deals and Actor Awareness
Fox News Media's licensing deal with Gulfstream Studios allows the network to repurpose the original audio recordings from the 2010 dramatized audio Bible into the new podcast format. In a statement to PEOPLE, Fox News said this arrangement was made "with full cooperation and participation by all the actors involved." However, this claim contrasts with statements from the actors' representatives, who insist their clients were not informed about the podcast's release or the reuse of their voices.
This situation highlights a complex area of media production where licensing rights to previously recorded material can be transferred or sold, sometimes without the original performers' direct knowledge of new uses. For older adult readers, this raises important questions about how voice recordings made years ago can resurface in new contexts, especially when tied to sensitive subjects like religion and faith-based content.
The Role of Fox News and the Podcast's Launch
Fox News Media is launching "The Life of Jesus Podcast" as part of its new faith-focused vertical, "Fox Faith." The network aims to tap into a growing audience interested in religious programming, with the podcast designed to bring biblical stories to life through immersive storytelling. "Fox & Friends" co-host Ainsley Earhardt reportely introduces each episode, adding a familiar voice to the series.
The podcast's release is part of a broader strategy by Fox News to expand its digital platform offerings and attract subscribers with faith-based content. However, the controversy surrounding the use of actors' voices without their explicit consent has cast a shadow over the launch, prompting discussions about transparency and respect for performers' rights.
Behind the Scenes: Producer's Request for Secrecy
Adding another layer to the intrigue, according to Entertainment Weekly citing Rolling Stone, a producer involved with the podcast reportedly asked at least one actor not to disclose that the audio recordings were originally produced years ago. The producer apparently wanted the project to feel like a recent production, which suggests an effort to present the podcast as fresh content rather than repurposed material.
This request raises ethical questions about how media companies manage the narrative around reused content and the expectations set for audiences and talent alike. It also underscores the tension between marketing strategies and the realities of production licensing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Faith-Based Media and Voice Licensing
As faith-based media continues to grow, the industry will likely face more situations like this, where old recordings are repurposed for new audiences. The Kristen Bell podcast controversy may prompt producers and networks to rethink how they handle permissions and communications with talent, especially when dealing with sensitive religious content.
References: Kristen Bell Shocked to Learn Her Voice Is Leading a New Bible Podcast from Fox | Celebrities had no idea they were included in Fox News Jesus podcast | Fox News' Jesus Podcast Accused of Hijacking Star's Voice Without Permission
