After seven highly successful seasons, The Chosen continues to follow the same creative principle that has guided the series from the beginning: authenticity. For creator, director, and co-writer Dallas Jenkins, every meeting with the creative team begins with the same word written on the board — “authenticity.” It represents the foundation of the show’s mission: creating a believable and immersive world that allows audiences to experience the life and times of Jesus in a more personal way.

The commitment to historical realism is especially visible at the Goshen, Utah filming location, where a massive replica of Jerusalem has become one of the main production sites for The Chosen. The outdoor set recreates the atmosphere of first-century Judea with remarkable attention to detail. Every corner is carefully designed to make viewers feel as if they have stepped back in time.

The production team focuses on even the smallest elements of daily life from the ancient world. Fruit is arranged in traditional brass containers, livestock are brought onto the set each morning, hay and soot are scattered across the ground, and clouds of dust rise naturally as actors walk through the streets. These details may seem minor, but they play an important role in creating a realistic environment for the story.

Preparation for Season 7’s Goshen filming began months before cameras started rolling. The design process officially started in January, and one month before filming, the creative department arrived to transform the location into a functioning ancient city. Because of its enormous size, the set is used for many different types of scenes, including outdoor sequences, marketplace scenes, and large landscape shots.

B.J. Forman, the art department coordinator for The Chosen, explained that the Goshen location continues to provide incredible opportunities for the production team. According to him, the scale and size of the set allow the filmmakers to expand their vision season after season. From Season 2 through Season 7, the team has continued embracing the space and using its full potential to tell larger and more visually impressive stories.

The cast and crew are expected to spend approximately three weeks filming Season 7 at the Goshen location, which sits near the small Utah County community of Goshen. During production, around 400 background performers will rotate through the set to help create the feeling of a crowded ancient city.

Many of these extras are not professional actors but passionate fans of the series who travel from different parts of the world for the unique opportunity to participate. They contribute through donations in exchange for the experience of becoming part of the production. Their presence helps bring energy and realism to the streets of the recreated Jerusalem.

For many fans, appearing as an extra is more than simply being on a television set. Jenny McGinty, one of the background performers, described the experience as feeling like traveling through time. Although she lives only a short distance away, she said the atmosphere at Goshen makes her feel as though she has entered another world. The environment, the details, and the emotional connection to the story create what many participants describe as a deeply meaningful and even sacred experience.

The Jerusalem replica at Goshen has a long history. Construction began in 2010 on the Motion Picture Studio South Campus, a property owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Chosen has used the location since its second season, making it one of the most recognizable filming environments connected to the series.

Dallas Jenkins has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for returning to Utah. He said the warmth and support from local fans have made Goshen a special place for the production. From airport encounters with people sharing how much the show has impacted them to the welcoming atmosphere surrounding the set, Jenkins believes the connection between Utah and The Chosen remains incredibly strong.

Behind the scenes photos from Season 7 reveal the enormous effort involved in bringing the biblical era to life. Images show actors preparing between takes, production equipment surrounding the set, carefully prepared props, and hundreds of extras helping create the atmosphere of ancient Jerusalem.

The success of The Chosen has been built not only on storytelling but also on its dedication to visual and historical immersion. Season 7 continues that tradition by combining detailed set design, passionate performers, and a global fan community working together to recreate one of the most important periods in religious history.

As production moves forward, the Goshen set remains a symbol of the series’ commitment to authenticity. Through every piece of clothing, every street corner, and every carefully placed prop, The Chosen continues its effort to make ancient stories feel alive for modern audiences.