Jonathan Roumie, the lead actor in the hit series The Chosen, recently sat down with Father Mike Schmitz at ChosenCon to reflect on the profound responsibility and humility that comes with portraying Jesus Christ on screen. The discussion touched on the weight of the role, the impact of The Chosen on viewers, and the personal spiritual growth Roumie has experienced through his involvement in the project.

Father Schmitz, acknowledging the transformative power of the show, expressed the deep connection that many people now feel toward Jesus because of Roumie’s portrayal. He shared how viewers frequently approach him to explain how The Chosen has changed their lives, sharing personal stories about how the series has redefined their understanding of Jesus and deepened their faith. “There’s a whole generation of people who, when they think Jesus, they think of your portrayal of our Lord,” Father Schmitz remarked. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of how art can shape faith and spirituality for entire communities. The question that followed was heavy, yet it struck at the core of Roumie’s experience as an actor: “What is that like, to be the one who is… there’s a whole generation of people who, when they think Jesus, they think of your portrayal of our Lord?”

Roumie’s response reflected a mixture of humility and awe. He admitted that he couldn’t quite put into words the enormity of the experience, but he knew that it was a gift and a calling. “The humility that I feel, having been put in this position and having been given this opportunity to portray Jesus for generations, a generation, maybe generations to come,” Roumie said, his voice filled with emotion. “I don’t know. But, yeah, He put me here for a reason, so I’m assuming He knew what He was doing.” For Roumie, portraying Jesus is not just an acting role—it is the most important work of his artistic career, one that has brought him closer to the Lord in ways he had never imagined.

The actor went on to express his profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity. He reflected that the work he’s done on The Chosen will likely be the defining project of his career, and everything else will eventually point back to this portrayal of Christ. “It’s probably the most important thing that I will ever do as an artist in my life,” he said. Roumie emphasized that the show had not only deepened his relationship with Christ but also allowed him to present Jesus in a new way to audiences who may not have encountered Him before. This realization, he said, was something he would forever be grateful for.

A key moment in The Chosen is the portrayal of the crucifixion, a scene that is considered one of the most pivotal events in human history. For Roumie, filming this sequence was not just about acting; it became a deeply spiritual experience. As an actor, he described the emotional commitment required to authentically depict the passion of Christ. “The commitment as an actor, as an artist, as a performer to doing this authentically brings you to a point spiritually where you are no longer pretending you are participating in his passion,” Roumie explained. “You have to reconcile that within yourself, either as a character playing Jesus, as an actor playing Jesus, as a Roman soldier, as one of the women crying, as the disciple John standing at the foot of the cross. You have to reconcile what’s happening if you are living truthfully and authentically in these moments.”

Roumie’s reflections on the crucifixion scene underscored how deeply personal the portrayal of Christ has been for him. Filming this scene was not simply a matter of performing a role—it was an act of spiritual participation in the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. He shared how, in those moments, he could feel the heartbreak and sorrow that accompanied such a profound event. The cast, each in their own way, experienced the deep emotional and spiritual weight of the scene. It was not just a retelling of the story—it was a living, breathing participation in the narrative of salvation. Roumie expressed how the Lord allowed him and the other actors to experience the heartbreak and sorrow of Christ’s crucifixion in a way that deeply impacted their hearts.

In addition to Roumie’s personal experiences, The Chosen: Last Supper – Part 2 received accolades for its emotional depth and powerful portrayal of Jesus and His disciples. The film won Movieguide®’s Epiphany Prize® for Inspiring Movies at this year’s Movieguide® Awards gala. The film was praised for its faithfulness to Scripture while also adding depth to the characters, making the biblical story feel more accessible and relatable. Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus was particularly lauded, with critics noting his emotional range and ability to bring the Savior to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences.

As The Chosen continues to captivate viewers around the world, Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus remains a central part of its success. The show’s unique ability to connect with people on a deeply emotional and spiritual level is a testament to the powerful work of everyone involved, especially Roumie. With the upcoming release of The Chosen Season 6 on Prime Video in November 2026, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the story of Jesus, and Roumie’s portrayal will undoubtedly continue to inspire and transform hearts for generations to come. For Roumie, it’s not just a career milestone—it’s a calling that will leave an indelible mark on his life and the lives of those who encounter this portrayal of Christ.