What Was Jonathan Roumie’s Hardest Scene Playing Jesus?
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE CHOSEN actor Jonathan Roumie explained how he prepared to portray Jesus’ experiences during Holy Week, the time period explored during the upcoming season.
“In Season 5, our focus was Holy Week, so, of course, my scripture study revolved around everything that I could find that related to Holy Week and listening to, you know, commentaries and thoughts and trying to get as much of a historical perspective on Holy Week as I could,” Roumie told Scott Hahn. “Then just, you know, time in personal prayer, discerning over how God wants me to handle certain moments that I could only guess at what Jesus was going through.”
“Like in the Garden of Gethsemane, like what generated the effect, the physical side effect of sweating drops of blood? What was it that spiritually and emotionally contributed to the anguish that resulted in the physicality of sweating blood…” Roumie continued. “Trying to wrap my head around how to even approach that was somewhat daunting, but ultimately, like everything else and like every other previous scene and episode and season, I ultimately have to just leave it up to the Lord and the Holy Spirit.”
Turning to the Lord for both support and inspiration has been Roumie’s key to success throughout all of THE CHOSEN. Being given the responsibility of playing Jesus on screen, he understands that no matter how good a performance he delivers, it is up to the Lord to change viewers’ hearts.
READ MORE: HOW GOD PREPARED JONATHAN ROUMIE FOR HIS ROLE ON THE CHOSEN
The Garden of Gethsemane isn’t the only part of season five that Roumie found difficult. The Last Supper was another scene that required special focus as he tried to imagine what Jesus was thinking as he sat with these men for his last meal before the crucifixion.
“Into [the Lord’s hands], you know, you have to commit this kind of work. The two scenes this season that vexed me the most were the scenes in the garden and the Last Supper. It’s like, the whole of Christendom kind of hinges on The Last Supper, and then ultimately, the resurrection but, I mean, it’s all interwoven,” Roumie said.
“Those moments are so pivotal and profound for us…” he continued. “I ask myself, ‘How am I going to do this?’ I’m like, ‘God, don’t let me screw this up,’ and I know that he won’t and I know he doesn’t but I have to ensure also that I have as much ammunition [as possible].”
READ MORE: HOW THE CHOSEN STAR HOPES NEW SEASON IMPACTS FANS’ FAITH
“I’m possibly more excited to bring Season 5 to the world than any other season we’ve done,” said Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer of THE CHOSEN. “Unfortunately, it’s not coming until March, but that’s because it’s such a huge season and requires a ton of work.”
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