In the ancient city of Matera, Italy, the cast of The Chosen has been filming a pivotal moment for Season 6: the crucifixion of Jesus. For Abe Bueno-Jallad, who plays Big James, the experience has been unlike anything he’s witnessed on set. “I’ve never seen the cast so focused,” he told CNA, highlighting a newfound intensity among the actors as they tackle one of the series’ most significant narratives.

Though details about the upcoming season remain largely under wraps, Bueno-Jallad emphasized the camaraderie and shared sense of responsibility on set. “Everyone is carrying such a heavy burden this season as an actor. They are all there for each other right now,” he explained. Even on days he wasn’t scheduled to work, Bueno-Jallad would return to set just to observe, often leaving with goosebumps from the performances unfolding before him.

The production companies behind the series, 5&2 Studios and Amazon MGM Studios, have made several announcements that shed light on the show’s evolving future. Episodes leading up to the Season 6 finale will debut exclusively on Prime Video in 2026, although no specific release date has been confirmed. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the final episode depicting the crucifixion will also be released in theaters as a feature film on May 12, 2027. Season 7 will follow a similar path, premiering as a feature film on March 31, 2028, to portray Jesus’ resurrection.

Meanwhile, viewers can continue to follow the story through Season 5, which is currently available exclusively on Prime Video prior to its free release on The Chosen app. Episodes have been rolling out in batches: the first two on June 15, the next three on June 22, and the final three on June 29.

Bueno-Jallad, who joined the cast in Season 2 following a casting change, reflected on the series’ remarkable journey. He recalled that during Season 1, the team was uncertain if production could even be completed. “To know that we’re on Amazon now—that’s crazy. Amazon is so big!” he said, marveling at how far the series has come.

Discussing the upcoming feature films, he added, “I love being part of a company and a project that isn’t afraid to shake things up, stir the water, do things differently—‘get used to different’ has always been our motto.”

For those watching Season 5 for the first time on Prime Video or catching up after its theatrical release, Bueno-Jallad described the narrative momentum as reaching a “big boiling point.” He explained that Jesus’ interactions with specific characters signal that certain moments are final, intensifying the drama and stakes.

Reflecting on his time in the series, Bueno-Jallad shared that the last five years have profoundly changed him. Researching his character, Big James, required deep immersion into historical context and perspectives, particularly since the New Testament had yet to be written at that time. “Getting completely submerged with the idea of who these people were,” he said, became central to his performance.

Through this process, he has gleaned personal insights as well. “It’s about knowing when to listen without sacrificing the strongest parts of your personality, understanding how to be vulnerable without feeling less of a protector,” he explained. He applied these lessons to Season 5, striving to present a version of Big James that was open, grounded, and emotionally authentic.

Season 6 promises to continue pushing the cast to new emotional and creative heights, with filming focused on some of the series’ most consequential moments. The combination of historical gravitas, personal transformation, and collaborative energy underscores why the team remains uniquely dedicated to the project.

As fans await the next chapter, one thing is clear: The Chosen is entering a phase that is as intense and transformative behind the scenes as it will be on screen, revealing a cast and crew fully committed to delivering a profound and unforgettable portrayal of these timeless stories.