Dallas Jenkins, the visionary creator behind The Chosen, is taking a bold new step with Season 5. Known for bringing the life of Jesus and his followers to the screen with unprecedented authenticity and heart, Jenkins has built a global fanbase through innovative, crowd-funded production and free streaming access. Now, as The Chosen prepares to depict the events leading up to the Crucifixion, Jenkins is shifting the viewing experience: Season 5 will debut in theaters before its release on streaming platforms. Excerpts from the interview:
Are you surprised how well the show is being received in India? What is something that stands out about the Indian audience?
It's not shocking because we've seen growing interest in India for The Chosen for a couple years now. I think the Indian audience is responding to the passion and humanity of the story. Typically Jesus projects are emotionally distant and formal, which is very much not the Indian audience!
This is the first time The Chosen is premiering in theaters. Why was it important to bring The Last Supper to the big screen first, before streaming?
This is our biggest season yet with the biggest stories we've told, including the Triumphal Entry and the turning over tables in the temple. I think people should see it on the big screen while also being with others.
Why bring The Chosen to theaters at a time when even big-budget Hollywood films are struggling to fill seats?
It's a bold move in that TV shows don't go to theaters, but we've always done things a little differently. We don't find it "risky" because we've seen audiences show up all over the world for the show, and we're also not trying to reach hundreds of millions of dollars like big studio films. We're not concerned with what other projects are doing or making any statements, we just wanted to meet audience demand and give potentially new viewers a chance to see what this show is about.
This chapter is arguably the most emotionally charged —how did you approach filming the Last Supper differently from other key scenes in the series?
We really believe it's important to get every scene right because we're dealing with such important material. The Holy Week season isn't any more "important" than other seasons, and yes, it has more emotional intensity overall, but we approach it the same way we always do, trying to find humanity and authenticity.
Was there a specific moment during production of the Last Supper episode that took you by surprise emotionally—either for you or the cast?
When we were filming the Triumphal Entry with hundreds of people waving palm branches and singing and chanting, it was overwhelming. We just weren't prepared for the passion and joy of it, and it felt real. Several of us were crying, and the people were telling us it was one of the greatest days of their lives.
How do you personally stay inspired and avoid burnout, especially when working with such emotionally heavy material?
Working out, having a great family, staying close to God, and a healthy case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder helps!
Are you surprised how well the show is being received in India? What is something that stands out about the Indian audience?
It's not shocking because we've seen growing interest in India for The Chosen for a couple years now. I think the Indian audience is responding to the passion and humanity of the story. Typically Jesus projects are emotionally distant and formal, which is very much not the Indian audience!
This is the first time The Chosen is premiering in theaters. Why was it important to bring The Last Supper to the big screen first, before streaming?
This is our biggest season yet with the biggest stories we've told, including the Triumphal Entry and the turning over tables in the temple. I think people should see it on the big screen while also being with others.
Why bring The Chosen to theaters at a time when even big-budget Hollywood films are struggling to fill seats?
It's a bold move in that TV shows don't go to theaters, but we've always done things a little differently. We don't find it "risky" because we've seen audiences show up all over the world for the show, and we're also not trying to reach hundreds of millions of dollars like big studio films. We're not concerned with what other projects are doing or making any statements, we just wanted to meet audience demand and give potentially new viewers a chance to see what this show is about.
This chapter is arguably the most emotionally charged —how did you approach filming the Last Supper differently from other key scenes in the series?
We really believe it's important to get every scene right because we're dealing with such important material. The Holy Week season isn't any more "important" than other seasons, and yes, it has more emotional intensity overall, but we approach it the same way we always do, trying to find humanity and authenticity.
Was there a specific moment during production of the Last Supper episode that took you by surprise emotionally—either for you or the cast?
When we were filming the Triumphal Entry with hundreds of people waving palm branches and singing and chanting, it was overwhelming. We just weren't prepared for the passion and joy of it, and it felt real. Several of us were crying, and the people were telling us it was one of the greatest days of their lives.
How do you personally stay inspired and avoid burnout, especially when working with such emotionally heavy material?
Working out, having a great family, staying close to God, and a healthy case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder helps!
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