Behind the scenes of The Chosen, actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the series, has spoken about emotionally intense experiences while filming scenes depicting the Passion, particularly those connected to the events leading up to the crucifixion. While working on the sequel production, he described moments on set that were not only physically demanding but also emotionally overwhelming, leaving a lasting impression on him long after filming ended.

During filming in Italy, Roumie recalled shooting sequences that depict the beginning of Jesus’ journey along the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of the Cross. In these scenes, the character of Jesus is shown being beaten by Roman soldiers and later crowned with thorns before being forced to carry the crossbeam. According to Roumie, the process of acting through these moments required a level of emotional engagement that went beyond technical performance, as the storyline itself is centered on extreme suffering and sacrifice.

He described one specific moment involving an Italian actor playing a Roman soldier. The scene required the soldier to strike him in the stomach as part of the scripted violence. Roumie shared that the actor himself had recently experienced a renewal or deepening of his faith in recent years, which made the scene especially difficult for him to perform. After completing the take, the actor approached Roumie visibly emotional and apologetic, expressing regret for having to carry out the action within the scene.

Roumie responded by reassuring him that he was simply fulfilling his role as an actor and that the action was part of the storytelling rather than a personal wrongdoing. However, what stood out most to him was the emotional weight the other performer carried, as if the act of portraying a Roman soldier striking Jesus created a deep personal conflict for him. The experience left both actors visibly affected, highlighting how the subject matter of the scene influenced not only performance but also emotional responses on set.

Reflecting on the experience, Roumie explained that portraying the Passion of Jesus gave him a deeper and more visceral understanding of the suffering described in the biblical narrative. While reading scripture or studying the script provides intellectual awareness of the events, he noted that physically acting them out brought a different level of emotional and spiritual awareness. He emphasized that embodying the role in such intense scenes shifted his understanding of the Passion into something far more immediate and impactful than he had previously experienced.

He further described that the process of performing these scenes required a high level of authenticity from all actors involved. According to him, when performers commit fully to portraying such emotionally charged events truthfully, they inevitably encounter moments where the boundaries between acting and emotional reality become blurred. In these instances, the experience can feel less like imitation and more like participation in the emotional truth of the narrative being depicted.

Roumie also reflected on how this immersion affected not only him but the entire cast and crew. He suggested that everyone involved in these sequences had to process and reconcile the emotional reality of what they were portraying. Because the scenes involve themes of suffering, sacrifice, and violence, they naturally provoke strong reactions, especially when performed with sincerity and attention to realism. As a result, the production environment at times became deeply reflective and emotionally sensitive.

The actor explained that engaging with the Passion narrative in this way elevated his understanding of the sacrifice central to the story. He expressed that although he was aware of the theological and historical significance of these events beforehand, physically reenacting them brought a new depth of comprehension that could not be achieved through reading alone. The lived experience of performing the scenes allowed him to connect with the emotional gravity of the story in a more profound way.

In discussing his approach to acting, Roumie emphasized that his commitment to authenticity as a performer involves fully inhabiting the emotional reality of the character. He suggested that when an actor genuinely enters into the moment without emotional detachment, the performance transforms into something that feels spiritually and psychologically immersive. In his view, this level of dedication can lead to moments where the actor is no longer simply pretending but is instead fully engaged in the experience as it unfolds.

He added that this level of immersion required him and other actors to continually process what they were portraying, especially during scenes depicting violence and suffering. Such moments demand emotional resilience, as the performers must balance professional responsibility with the psychological impact of enacting distressing situations. This balancing act is part of what made the experience so intense for everyone involved in the production.

Audience reactions to Roumie’s reflections, shared during a ChosenCon event, were reportedly very emotional. Many viewers and fans responded to his insights with appreciation and gratitude, stating that his perspective deepened their own understanding of the Passion narrative. Some expressed that his words encouraged them to engage more thoughtfully with the story, even when it involves difficult or painful imagery.

The ChosenCon gathering, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from February 19 to 21, 2026, served as a space where creators, cast members, and audiences of The Chosen could interact and reflect on the impact of the series. The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, described the event as a meaningful opportunity for mutual appreciation between the production team and its global audience. He emphasized that it was not only a chance for fans to express how the show has affected them, but also for the creators to acknowledge the role viewers have played in the project’s success and continued growth.

Jenkins noted that the exchange between the audience and the production team created a uniquely positive and supportive atmosphere, where gratitude flowed in both directions. He described it as a rare and meaningful experience in which the emotional impact of the series was recognized and shared collectively.

Looking ahead, it was noted that the upcoming sixth season of The Chosen is scheduled to debut on Prime Video in the fall season. However, the final installment of the season is expected to be released in theaters in the spring of 2027, extending the viewing experience beyond streaming and into a cinematic format.