I didn’t have any expectations
, said Dallas Jenkins, the writer and director behind the surprise hit series, The Chosen. Launched in 2017, the historical drama featuring Jonathan Roumie as Jesus has captured global audiences with its relatable characters and spiritual resonance. Piquing particular interest is the show’s filming location—a meticulously recreated set near Goshen, Utah, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Recreating Old Jerusalem
The Goshen set, integral to The Chosen’s authentic depiction of Old Jerusalem, offers a two-acre Biblical village complete with first-century Jewish homes, a marketplace, and other essential sections. This captivating location convincingly transports viewers back in time, augmenting the show’s powerful storytelling. Elizabeth Tabish, who plays Mary Magdalene in the series, noted that all of these characters are deeply flawed and have messy lives. It shows how Jesus transforms that
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A Testament to Collaboration
Another aspect highlighting The Chosen’s success is its meticulous attention to detail on sets like Goshen. Dallas Jenkins and his team worked closely with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to ensure historical accuracy and production quality. Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus has been universally praised for balancing humanity and divinity. Describing his role, Roumie said, People are desperate and hungry for the presence of God in their lives
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Popularity and Growth
The show has grown immensely popular since its inception, accumulating over 200 million viewers. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Palestine, The Chosen offers an authentic look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings. As it heads into its fifth season, having recently wrapped up development for Season Four, slated to release in January 2024, the show continues to grow both in viewer numbers and production complexity.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite its remarkable success, The Chosen hasn’t been without challenges. A dispute with distributor Angel Studios delayed Season Four’s release until June 2024. Jenkins acknowledged this momentous collaboration but also noted the necessity for change to ensure the show’s future.
It’s clear that both fans and creators are deeply invested in The Chosen’s journey. The labor of love driving this project remains focused on sharing stories that resonate spiritually and emotionally with audiences worldwide.
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