Supporters of Mel Gibson’s 2004 film The Passion of the Christ have voiced strong criticism towards the popular biblical series The Chosen, accusing it of drawing too heavily from a memorable and emotionally charged sequence in the earlier movie. The controversy centres on a scene featuring the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene tending to Jesus after his brutal scourging, an image that has sparked heated debates across social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.
In Gibson’s film, one of the most iconic and visceral moments occurs following the scourging at the pillar. The Virgin Mary, accompanied by Mary Magdalene, uses cloths to carefully wipe up the pools of blood left on the ground and around the site of the whipping. This powerful depiction, which is not drawn directly from the canonical Gospels but inspired by the mystical visions of the 19th-century nun Anne Catherine Emmerich, has become one of the film’s most discussed and emotionally resonant elements. It underscores themes of maternal love, compassion, and the profound cost of sacrifice in a raw, unflinching manner.
Many longtime fans of The Passion of the Christ have pointed out what they perceive as striking parallels in The Chosen. Some viewers claim that the multi-season series, created by Dallas Jenkins, features or is preparing to include a comparable moment in which the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene care for the wounded Christ. Although The Chosen has not yet reached the full Passion narrative in its released episodes, anticipation for Season 6 — expected to delve more deeply into the final days of Jesus’ life — has intensified these comparisons. Clips and discussions circulating online suggest a similar tone of intimate caregiving and reverence that echoes the earlier cinematic portrayal.
Critics argue that the resemblance feels overly familiar, bordering on imitation rather than original interpretation. On platforms like TikTok and Facebook, side-by-side comparisons have gone viral, with users highlighting visual and emotional similarities in how the two Mary figures respond to Jesus’ suffering. Some commentators express disappointment, viewing it as a missed opportunity for The Chosen to forge a distinct artistic path despite its reputation for bringing fresh, relational depth to well-known biblical stories.
The Chosen has earned widespread praise for its character-driven approach, humanising the disciples and those around Jesus through extended storytelling that expands beyond the sparse details provided in Scripture. Its portrayal of Mary Magdalene, in particular, has been celebrated for showing her transformation and close relationship with Christ. Similarly, the depiction of the Virgin Mary emphasises her maternal wisdom and emotional connection to her son. However, when these elements converge in scenes involving physical care during moments of suffering, some audiences feel the influence of Gibson’s more graphic and traditionally Catholic-inspired imagery becomes too apparent.
Defenders of The Chosen point out that certain motifs — such as women close to Jesus offering comfort and tending to wounds — arise naturally from the Gospel accounts and centuries of Christian tradition. The act of caring for the suffering Christ has deep roots in Catholic devotion, including the Stations of the Cross and various devotional practices. Supporters argue that any overlap reflects shared cultural and spiritual heritage rather than deliberate copying. They note that Jenkins and his team have consistently aimed to honour multiple Christian traditions while making the story accessible to a broad, modern audience.
Nevertheless, the debate highlights broader tensions within faith-based entertainment. The Passion of the Christ set a high bar for visceral, unflinching portrayals of the crucifixion, relying heavily on private revelations and traditional piety. The Chosen, by contrast, adopts a slower, more conversational style that builds emotional investment over multiple seasons. When the two approaches touch on similar sacred moments, comparisons become inevitable, especially among fans deeply attached to Gibson’s influential work.
As anticipation grows for Season 6 of The Chosen, which is expected to tackle the Passion events with careful sensitivity, these discussions are likely to intensify. Viewers remain divided: some appreciate the respectful nods to earlier depictions, while others hope the series will maintain its unique voice without leaning too heavily on established cinematic precedents. The show’s creators have emphasised their desire to remain faithful to Scripture while allowing room for imaginative yet respectful expansion.
This controversy ultimately reflects the deep emotional connection audiences form with portrayals of Jesus’ life and suffering. Both The Passion of the Christ and The Chosen have played significant roles in bringing biblical narratives to contemporary viewers, albeit through very different artistic lenses. Whether the similarities in the caregiving scene represent creative homage or excessive resemblance continues to fuel passionate online conversations.
As more details from the upcoming season emerge, fans will have the opportunity to judge for themselves how these beloved characters are portrayed during Jesus’ final hours. In the meantime, the ongoing dialogue underscores the enduring power of these stories to inspire, challenge, and occasionally divide those who hold them dear. For many, the focus remains on the central message of compassion, sacrifice, and redemption that both productions strive to convey, regardless of specific directorial choices.
