Biblical Drama ‘The Chosen’ Breaks New Ground With Cinema Debut

Jonathan Roumie attends the Global Premiere of season 4 of "The Chosen" at The Empire Cinema in Leicester Square in London, England, on Jan. 22, 2024. Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

As a biblical drama focusing on the life of Jesus Christ and His followers, “The Chosen” has not only made history with its successful following but is now breaking new ground as the first-ever streaming series to debut nationwide in the cinema.

That’s what’s on tap for the show’s season four, which hits theaters Feb. 1.

Show’s Season 4 Portrays Persecution of Jesus

Directed by Dallas Jenkins and distributed by Lionsgate, “The Chosen” is set in first-century Galilee and Judaea. This time, viewers will see storylines that include Jesus experiencing some of the most challenging parts of His early ministry. Losing loved ones and enduring increased persecution from not only the Romans but His own people will be explored in the multi-season show.

Specifically, episodes 1–3 will find their way to theaters on Feb. 1, with episodes 4–6 playing in theaters on Feb. 15 and episodes 7–8 debuting on Feb. 29.

The series stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, Shahar Isaac, Paras Patel, and Elizabeth Tabish.

“It’s a no-brainer to debut season four in theaters,” Christian Toto, host of “The Hollywood in Toto Podcast,” told The Epoch Times. “The theatrical model remains uncertain, but anything that feels like an ‘event’ will do better than expected. It’s why the ‘Barbenheimer’ meme turned into box office gold last year. Any Christopher Nolan film is an event of sorts, and you had to see ‘Barbie’ with your besties with everyone dressed in pink.

“Plus, ‘The Chosen’ has played in theaters before, and each time, it’s pulled in respectable box office numbers,” he added.

In terms of this new season, it stands out in its emotional intensity.

“By far, it’s the most intense and mature and challenging season yet,” said Mr. Roumie, in a story by The Christian Post. “Not just for me, but I think for everybody on the cast and crew. But I think what we created is going to be pretty beautiful.”

“The Chosen” began in 2017 as a crowdfunded project before evolving into what some critics have described as a “global phenomenon.” The series has gained 110 million viewers across 175 countries.

Widespread Praise

The series’ creators are known for their dedication and commitment to portraying both historical and biblical accuracy. In doing so, they’ve received praise from theologians, scholars, and religious leaders. The show’s creative elements, including the intricate portrayals of its characters and its filming techniques, have also been commended.

“It’s not merely higher-quality filming techniques or the relatability of actor Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus that accounts for what some describe The Chosen’s resonance with viewers. It has been described as having convincing portrayals of each of Jesus’ disciple’s transformation of desire,” writes Christianity Today. “Characters who have small hopes at the beginning of the show evolve into people who want great things. As we watch the disciples change, we are drawn into the mystery of their transformation in Christ.”

“It’s the quality,” said Mr. Toto. “The Chosen” has been embraced by secular critics, something faith-based projects rarely achieve. That, and an honest attempt to tell a Christian story that doesn’t offend the faithful, have sparked its incredible ascent.

While seasons 1–3 have focused on Christ’s early ministry and teachings (including some of His most well-known miracles and parables), this latest installment tells of the Son of God’s sorrows and grief as the story arc builds toward His crucifixion.

As shown in previous seasons, characters such as Peter, Mary Magdalene, Matthew, Judas, and Big James will have their backstories delved into as they grapple with what it means to be a follower of Christ. The show depicts how Christ calls them to complete surrender. It’s a theme that Mr. Roumie, 49, said will resonate with viewers today.

“I think people thought He might have just been like, ‘Okay, the Romans are gone, the bad Pharisees are gone. It’s just us, life is great,’” Mr. Roumie explained, clarifying that the storylines will show the contrary—that they’ll encounter more of those types of people, but if they have Christ, they’ll be able to deal with them.

Show Has Changed Lead Character

“Keeping you focused on Him is what allows them to get through all of it,” explained the actor, who, in order to embody Christ’s painful experiences, said he turned to prayer and “sought to infuse as much of his own humanity as possible into the character.”

“I just had to really put it all to prayer and inform as much of my own humanity as was scripted in the page and hope that that kind of gets in the ballpark of what Jesus may have felt during these moments,” Mr. Roumie said, noting that playing Jesus for over half of a decade has brought his own personal transformation.

The actor said the man he is today is “night and day” from who he was before taking on the role.