Hollywood actor Jonathan Roumie has opened up about the emotional and spiritual toll of stepping back into the role of Jesus in the latest chapter of the hit faith-based drama The Chosen, with the star revealing that one particular scene pushed him further than anything he has ever experienced in his career.

The actor, who returns as Jesus in the newly released installment The Chosen: The Last Supper, says the production’s move into the events of Holy Week has marked a turning point for both the series and his own personal journey. With the first episodes now screening in cinemas, the fifth season is officially setting the stage for what fans have been told is the beginning of the end, as the storyline heads towards the crucifixion and the most iconic moments of the New Testament.

Filmed in Dallas, Texas, the new season places Roumie at the centre of some of the most emotionally charged scenes yet, including the cleansing of the temple, intense confrontations with religious authorities, and of course the famous Last Supper itself. According to the actor, the sheer weight of these moments made the shoot unlike anything he had previously endured.

Speaking about the experience, Roumie admitted that playing such a sacred figure through such painful and complex events was physically and emotionally draining. He described the challenge of capturing not just the strength and authority of Jesus, but also the deep loneliness, sorrow and love that define the final days before the crucifixion. In his words, the role demanded everything from him at once, leaving him exhausted but also profoundly moved.

The actor revealed that there was one scene in particular which left a lasting impact on him, describing it as the most spiritually powerful moment of his entire acting life. While he stopped short of revealing exactly what happened on screen, he hinted that the emotional intensity of the performance was so overwhelming that what followed after filming ended became just as significant as the scene itself.

Roumie said that once the director called “cut”, something shifted for him in a way he did not expect. He suggested that the experience did not simply end when the cameras stopped rolling, but instead continued to affect him long after, marking what he described as the beginning of a deeper personal transformation. The actor did not go into specific detail, but made it clear that the moment had stayed with him in a powerful way.

The star, who recently turned 50, also reflected on the broader emotional challenge of portraying events that hold enormous meaning for millions of people around the world. He explained that receiving the scripts for the fifth season left him both amazed and slightly daunted by the responsibility. As the story moves through Holy Week, he said the material carries an almost overwhelming level of emotional and spiritual significance, not only for audiences but for him personally as well.

Roumie added that he spent considerable time preparing for the most demanding scenes, particularly those leading up to the Last Supper and other key moments tied to the final days of Jesus’ life. He admitted there were moments during filming when he was unsure how he would be able to deliver what was required, given the emotional depth involved. However, he said he chose to trust the process and lean on his faith to guide him through the performance.

One of the major sequences in the new season features the dramatic moment where Jesus enters the temple and drives out merchants and money changers, a scene that has long been one of the most powerful in biblical storytelling. Roumie described the sequence as chaotic, intense and emotionally charged, explaining that it reflects the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.

He spoke about the sorrow behind the moment as well, pointing out that the character is not acting out of anger alone, but also out of grief for those who have lost their way. According to him, the scene captures the breakdown of trust between spiritual leaders and the people they are meant to guide, making it one of the most difficult parts of the series to portray.

The production itself has been described by cast members as more intense than previous seasons, with Roumie agreeing that “intense” is the best word to sum it up. The fifth season covers the entirety of Holy Week, meaning the emotional stakes remain high throughout every episode. The story builds towards the Last Supper, a moment Roumie said holds deeply personal meaning for him as a man of faith, making it one of the hardest scenes to film.

He explained that approaching such a significant event was daunting, as it carries centuries of religious tradition and emotional weight. He admitted that even with years of experience playing the role, he could not fully predict how he would respond once filming began. In the end, he said he simply had to surrender the moment and trust that it would come together.

The success of The Chosen has transformed Roumie’s life in ways he never expected. What began as a modest acting opportunity has turned into a global phenomenon, bringing him international recognition and a dedicated fanbase. Despite this, he has often spoken about trying to remain grounded as the show continues to grow in popularity.

He has also appeared in a documentary series following his life and rising fame, where he meets fans and reflects on his journey from struggling actor to leading one of the most watched faith-based productions in the world. He has even crossed paths with high-profile figures along the way, as the series continues to expand its cultural reach.

Now, with only a couple of seasons left before the show concludes its planned run, Roumie says he is focused on staying present and appreciating each moment while it lasts. After spending years living with the character, he admitted that he does not yet know what life will feel like when the role eventually comes to an end, suggesting it may be a major emotional adjustment when that time arrives.