How THE CHOSEN Promotes Autism Awareness
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE CHOSEN star Paras Patel explained how putting Matthew on the autism spectrum has helped those on the spectrum in real life feel seen and better connect with the show.
“There’s so much stigma around autism, and as we’re shining a light on it, that stigma is slowly fading,” Patel told Woman’s World. “I just want my message to be a positive message and one of inclusion. I just want it to feel like it’s normalized when you think of that Matthew’s story. You see how he has grown so much in himself, and he’s found confidence. I want to do that for others. I want people to know that I see them. There’s confidence in everybody, and we can help activate it.”
“I feel like this show has really given me my purpose in a way. It’s not only for portraying Matthew, but also representing the autism community, as well as those that have felt that they aren’t seen, valued, included or misunderstood,” he continued.
“I feel like all of us in society and as humans go through these feelings,” Patel added. “So seeing Matthew’s journey, his obstacles, the ups and downs and how he taps into those moments of pain knowing the outcome is going to be good and it will help him grow has been very motivating to me.”
Dallas Jenkins, THE CHOSEN’s creator and director, decided to put Matthew on the spectrum because he felt it was very plausible that he could have been given his obsession with details and chosen profession as a tax collector, which made him an immediate outcast.
“I’m very familiar with the autism community,” Jenkins told Woman’s World. “It’s in my family. I’ve done a lot of volunteer work there, so looking at that I go, ‘Boy, these are traits of Asperger’s or someone [on] the autism spectrum. Wouldn’t that be interesting, very human and relatable to have a character who is like that?…’ I think one of the top things that we’ve seen people relate to most with the show is the character of Matthew.”
Though he is incredibly thankful for the role and the position it has given him, Patel did not set out to advocate for autism awareness. However, after landing the role, he connected with the character immediately and focused on accurately representing life on the spectrum.
“When you get a part–first of all–that’s such a big moment. Then next comes all the nerves and the thought, ‘I need to do this right for someone that isn’t on the spectrum.’ I just want to be an ambassador for the community to show how much I respect the autism community,” Patel said. “I want them to feel like I did it justice.”
“[To prepare] I had notes, I watched documentaries, I watched behaviors, and for me, because for me it’s all about showing it through your eyes. I feel like the eyes are the connection to the soul It’s very important for me to convey what I feel through my eyes,” he added. “I feel like that’s Matthew’s number one way of communicating.”
He wrapped up THE CHOSEN’s Season 4 press tour on World Autism Day.
“Through THE CHOSEN’s portrayal of Matthew on the autism spectrum, I am truly honored to be an ambassador for the autism community,” Patel wrote on Instagram. “I will always do my best to authentically represent the autism/neurodivergent community while raising awareness, acceptance, and inclusion along the way.”
THE CHOSEN is currently filming Season 5 as Jesus and the disciples walk through Holy Week.
Deseret News reported, “Dallas Jenkins posted a quick video on social media announcing that the cast and crew are working away. After they film in Utah, they will travel to Midlothian, Texas, to complete the rest of the season.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
THE CHOSEN has been renewed for Season 5 and will begin filming next month.
“Cameras will begin rolling on THE CHOSEN Season 5 in Utah starting April 11; the series will shoot there for six weeks before shifting to the show’s home base in Texas for the remainder of the production,” Variety reported.
The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, told Variety, “The response to Season 4 has been overwhelming so far, which provides a nice lift for us as we head into filming. Of course, we’re about to try to portray the most famous week in the history of humans, so the euphoria from the previous season never lasts long. The entire Season 6 will cover one day, so covering one week in Season 5 feels luxurious.”
Season 5 will pick up right after Season 4 at the beginning of Holy Week.
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