In 2004, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ captivated audiences with its brutal depiction of the Crucifixion. The movie drew polarized reactions, some feeling deeply moved, while others found its violent imagery difficult to bear. Bobby Ross Jr. covered the film’s release for the Associated Press, noting the somber mood among moviegoers leaving a theater in Plano, Texas. The intense portrayal of Jesus’ final moments on the cross left many feeling emotionally drained, as if they had just attended a funeral. The rawness of the film made it unforgettable, but it also sparked discussions on how far filmmakers should go in depicting suffering.

Two decades later, in 2027, a new portrayal of the Crucifixion will grace the big screen. This time, it will be the centerpiece of Season 6 of The Chosen, a groundbreaking multi-season drama about the life of Jesus. Unlike The Passion, which focused mainly on the Crucifixion, The Chosen will benefit from the emotional depth accumulated over the previous seasons. The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, shared insights on how this new depiction of Jesus’ death will differ from Gibson’s work.

Jenkins discussed the challenges of filming Season 6, admitting that it was the toughest season the show had ever undertaken. Filming took place in Utah, Texas, and Italy, pushing the cast and crew to their physical and emotional limits. Jenkins explained that the season covers the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life, capturing the full weight of His suffering. For Jenkins and his team, the arduous filming process reflected the pain and sacrifice they sought to portray. Despite the difficulties, he believes that this season will ultimately be their best, with the intensity of the production translating into a more visceral viewing experience.

The reason behind the extended filming time and the delayed release is tied to the show’s commitment to making it available in multiple languages. Jenkins explained that while the first six episodes would be released on streaming platforms, the finale would be a “supersized theatrical experience” to be shown worldwide in early 2027. This effort will ensure that audiences across the globe will experience the culmination of the series at the same time, something that had not been possible with previous seasons.

When comparing The Chosen’s depiction of the Crucifixion to The Passion of the Christ, Jenkins highlighted two major differences. First, The Chosen has a significant advantage in terms of emotional storytelling. Over five seasons, the show has developed deep character arcs, allowing viewers to form strong emotional connections with Jesus’ closest friends and followers. Jenkins believes that, rather than relying on graphic violence, the emotional weight of the Crucifixion will be conveyed through the reactions of these characters. A simple glance or gesture from them will carry immense emotional power because of the years of backstory the audience has witnessed. The relationships established in the show will make the Crucifixion feel more personal and heart-wrenching.

Secondly, Jenkins shared that The Chosen will not feature the same level of explicit violence as The Passion. Gibson’s film was known for its graphic depiction of Jesus’ physical suffering, but Jenkins believes that The Passion already explored this territory thoroughly. With many depictions of the Crucifixion already in the public consciousness, Jenkins feels there is little new to add in terms of physical violence. Instead, The Chosen aims to take a more emotional and spiritual approach to the story. The film will not just focus on the Crucifixion itself but will also take viewers on a broader journey, reminding them of the significance of the event by looking at the entire history of humanity and the need for Jesus’ sacrifice. Jenkins emphasized that the goal is to tell a story of deep spiritual significance, not simply to shock with brutality.

Despite not relying on graphic violence, Jenkins expects that the emotional and spiritual impact of The Chosen’s Crucifixion will be profound. He shared that the filming process itself was emotionally intense, with cast members frequently experiencing breakdowns as they tried to fully grasp the gravity of what they were portraying. Jenkins himself struggled to keep his composure at times, and he anticipates that audiences will feel similarly moved. He believes this portrayal of the Crucifixion will have the most emotional impact of any episode in the show’s history.

Interestingly, The Chosen filmed its Crucifixion scenes in a location that holds significant historical importance. The city of Matera, Italy, where The Passion of the Christ was also filmed, served as the backdrop for the dramatic final scenes of both films. Matera is known for its ancient architecture, which has been preserved over thousands of years. It provided the perfect setting for depicting the world of Jesus during the first century. Jenkins pointed out that the filming of The Chosen’s Crucifixion scenes took place just 50 yards away from where Gibson filmed his iconic scenes, reinforcing the deep historical connection between the two projects. Even more significantly, the city’s timeless quality seemed to confirm that it was the only place that could truly do justice to the gravity of the Crucifixion story.

While Jenkins has no plans to match the level of physical brutality in The Passion, he remains committed to delivering a deeply emotional, spiritually enriching portrayal of the Crucifixion. For those who have followed The Chosen over the years, the finale of Season 6 promises to be a powerful culmination of the journey with Jesus and His disciples. Through careful storytelling and attention to emotional detail, Jenkins hopes to offer viewers a fresh, yet profoundly moving, perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in human history.