The original NBC series event A.D., the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2013 ratings blockbuster miniseries The Bible, which garnered over 100 million US viewers, today reveals Jesus and the complete cast from around the world. From executive producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, the first episode of A.D. will premiere Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2015.

"Christianity is among the most diverse movements in history, so when Mark and I looked to bring this epic story of A.D. to life on NBC, it was important to us to find a cast as diverse and beautiful as the church is around the world." said Executive Producer Roma Downey. "We look forward to sharing these amazing performances with our audience, and in them we hope that people see themselves."

Juan Pablo di Pace, the critically acclaimed Argentinean actor, has been cast as Jesus. Di Pace is best known for his portrayal of Petros in the hit film Mamma Mia, along with award-winning theater work in London and Spain and his recurring role on the NBC show Camp. Di Pace leads an accomplished cast hailing from more than 10 different nations, including John - Babou Ceesay (Gambia); Mary Magdalene - Chipo Chung (Zimbabwe); James - Denver Isaac (Zimbabwe); Arik - Nicholas Pinnock (Jamaica); Simon The Zealot - Fraser Ayers (Scotland/Black); Ananias - Peter De Jersey (Britain); Mother Mary - Greta Scacchi (Italy); Thomas - Johannes Johannesson (Iceland); Judas - Cesare Taurasi (Italy); and Boaz - George Georgiou (Greece).

A.D. is an uplifting and harrowing journey through the beginning moments of the birth of the church picking up where the smash hit, The Bible, left off. A.D. follows the first ten chapters of the Book of Acts exploring the aftermath of Christ's death and its profound impact on his disciples, his mother Mary, and key political and religious leaders of the era, an impact that would completely change the world. A.D. will take its audience from the intense sorrow of Christ's ultimate sacrifice to the awe-inspiring wonder of the Resurrection and deep into his disciples' struggle to survive against opposition from every side as they continued to share his message of love with everyone, everywhere.

The series includes compelling context around the Biblical text, focusing initially on the Book of Acts while integrating dramatic history to help tell the full story of the people and their era. The audience will enter the world of the Apostles, of Pilate, Caiaphas, Herod Antipas and others, all from their own points of view. Each episode aims to bring the Biblical world to life in all of its grit and glory.

Watch an exclusive extended trailer below, released Thanksgiving Day.