Jonathan Roumie Says This Is the ‘Secret Sauce’ to THE CHOSEN’s Success
By Movieguide® Contributor
While discussing the success of THE CHOSEN, Jonathan Roumie explained why having actors who have a genuine faith in Christ makes all the difference for the show.
“I think the things I’ve missed in Hollywood adaptations of biblical stories in recent years are spiritual substance and authenticity,” Roumie told Yahoo Entertainment. “When you make this kind of program, what allows it to be successful is the level of authenticity that people making the show bring to work. If you don’t have that, it can’t attract people and resonate with people in the same way. I think because we’re always striving for authenticity and the genuine spiritual truths of Jesus’s message…That’s the secret sauce.”
His genuine faith certainly allows Roumie to portray Jesus in such a powerful way. Because he has a real relationship with the Lord, Roumie understands the importance of the scenes he is portraying and the eternal impact they might have. Off-screen, however, his faith is just as important, as he points people to Jesus through his everyday interactions.
When preparing for the role, Roumie completely relies on his faith, turning to the Lord to help guide him during the shoots.
READ MORE: HOW GOD PREPARED JONATHAN ROUMIE FOR HIS ROLE ON THE CHOSEN
“[Prayer is] the first thing I do. Lots and lots of prayer before every season, before every scene and before every take,” Roumie said. “I’m always doing a silent prayer to myself and praying for guidance, that God will allow his voice to be heard through mine and his words to be felt through the ones I’ve been given to say in the script, and for everything else that happens as a result of the show.”
“People have these deep conversations, or they go from believing to not believing in something, or just wanting to know more about Jesus,” he continued. “All that stuff — this supernatural stuff — is not up to us. Our responsibility is to show up, be open and tell the story with authenticity and truth. God does the rest.”
God continues to shown up as THE CHOSEN has become a worldwide phenomenon and is well on its way to hitting its goal of reaching 1 billion people. While the quality of the production is phenomenal, Roumie believes this incredible success comes down to the storyline.
“Jesus’s message is timeless, and his truth is for all of humanity,” Roumie explained. “At times it’s a difficult truth to hear, but it’s true. Whether or not you recognize it or accept that truth, it doesn’t change. I think presenting the message in this way is accessible.”
“The characters and Jesus are relatable — they feel like people that you would see in your neighborhood or community,” he continued. “They laugh, cry and get confused just like we do. Nobody’s ever portrayed these characters with such humanity before. Nobody’s had the luxury of time that it takes to build these characters over the course of several seasons. We’re doing something nobody has ever done before. They’ve never shown Jesus and the disciples at a party, dancing at a wedding, having some wine, enjoying each other’s company, getting mad at each other, being annoyed with each other — all these things that humans go through.”
READ MORE: JONATHAN ROUMIE DISCUSSES STANDING FIRM AS A CHRISTIAN IN HOLLYWOOD
THE CHOSEN Season 5 wrapped filming earlier this year, and creator Dallas Jenkins revealed that it will release Spring 2025.
“It is coming to you early April 2025. I don’t exactly if it’s the first or second week just yet. We’re working out the details. But it will be early April,” he announced last month.
Season 5 will follow Holy Week, the week in Jesus’ ministry that leads up to His crucifixion.
Collider reported, “Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where he was greeted with palm branches. The following days, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, recall Jesus’ teachings and actions before his arrest. On Holy Monday, some traditions remember Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple, while Holy Tuesday reflects on his debates with religious leaders. Spy Wednesday marks Judas Iscariot’s decision to betray Jesus, earning its name from Judas ‘spying’ for an opportunity to betray his teacher.”
This is followed by Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, and Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death.
“These are all things that are not spoilers. They’re in the there in the Gospels,” Roumie told Movieguide®.
