Jonathan Roumie teases The Chosen season 4 getting darker, talks playing Jesus, and comments on the incredible fan base, in this interview.
The Chosen Season 4 will continue the record-breaking modern imagining of the life of Jesus and His disciples. The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie), seen through the eyes of those who knew him. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first century Israel, the seven-season show shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings.
With over 200 million viewers, The Chosen is one of the most-watched shows in the world. The series is consistently a top performer across streaming platforms Prime Video, Peacock, and Netflix plus a top-rated broadcast weekly on The CW. The entire season will release theatrically, throughout February, beginning on February 1st, before eventually coming to streaming.
We spoke with Jonathan Roumie about the upcoming season 4 and how it feels to know it is releasing in theaters. He also reveals what he was most excited to film in season 4, what he is most excited for the fans to see, and how it has been playing Jesus. Roumie also comments on the incredible fanbase that the show has built.
Jonathan Roumie Talks The Chosen Season 4
Tessa Smith: Congratulations. How does it feel this is going to theaters for the entire season?
Jonathan Roumie: I’m stoked. I mean, this is it’s awesome. I was rooting for this move last season, and we got half of it in the theaters, but to have a full season in theaters, it’s just awesome. I think it’s going to be experienced the way it was meant to be seen.
Tessa Smith: When you first got the scripts for The Chose season 4, was there something that you were super excited to film?
Jonathan Roumie: All of it. It’s such a mature season for us. And you know, the turns we take this season, we just haven’t gone down this road before. But it’s real, and I think it’ll make Jesus’s ark, so to speak, much more real for people. It’ll make his sacrifice more real to people, when we actually get to those scenes on the cross, it’s going to affect people in a way that I don’t think it ever has in film history.
Tessa Smith: What’s that like for you?
Jonathan Roumie: I try not to think about it. I try to stay present with what I’m doing now and not think too far forward in the future. I mean, if the storyline for a specific scene tends to sub textually reference the future, then I’ll allow some of that to come in. But for the most part, I’ll just try to stay present with with what’s going on in the here and now.
Tessa Smith: What was it like that first day on set, way back in season one — your Jesus. How do you get into that mindset? Because you’re so incredible.
Jonathan Roumie: Thank you, thank you. I mean, it was a little daunting. I mean, it’s all still a little daunting. Even every season, we begin, it’s always just like, gosh, Lord, please help me get through this. But when you’re first doing it, I think there was a lot of effort to, my prayer, if you will was, Lord, let me get this right. And now it’s like, let me just continue to serve you however this, whatever you want, from the scene, from the series, from me for this, just let me not get in my own way. That’s kind of what it is now. So it’s come a long way. I feel like I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.
Tessa Smith: What’s it been like with the reaction and the fact that there’s so many fans that love this show?
Jonathan Roumie: It’s been incredible. I just released a documentary called Jonathan and Jesus on Prime Video, and we kind of delve into what that’s like. And that experience. Traveling around the world, having first started with having met the Pope a couple of years ago, and then having these run-ins with fans, talking to artists and musicians and spiritual leaders about Jesus’s impact on the culture, and what is the price of fame, and then fame as Jesus. It’s such a surreal thing. But yeah, it’s something that I’m grateful always, this will be the most impactful role that I ever play. So I’m grateful for it.
Tessa Smith: What are you most excited for the fans to see this season?
Jonathan Roumie: I think one of my favorite storylines revolves around Lazarus, and how we execute that storyline. I think will be something that will be novel in the way that The Chosen does things. And I think it’ll be super powerful. That’s my hope. I haven’t seen any of it yet. So I’m going to be watching it with everybody else on February first, just being a movie goer myself, so I’m excited for people to see it.
The Chosen season 4 is releasing theatrically throughout February.
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About The Chosen Season 4
“Come to me, you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” That was the theme of Season 3. Jesus said this to a crowd of thousands before also saying it to Simon while they stood on water. Season 4? Jesus is weary and heavy-laden, and He needs rest.
We’re getting closer and closer to Jerusalem, to what we know is coming. Jesus is getting increasingly frustrated, and yes, sad. Not because he’s getting closer to death, but because of the reasons He must die. From his faith’s religious leaders, to the holy city of Jerusalem, to his own friends and followers, people are not understanding his mission. To that end, He must allow painful things, and even set in motion certain confusing or bittersweet events, to accelerate the outcomes that will lead to Holy Week.
Season 4 marks the midpoint of the most famous and influential story in human history. It will be painful, and it will be joyous. It will be bittersweet. But by all measures, Season 4 will also be our best.
– Dallas Jenkins, Creator of The Chosen
Secure your tickets to see The Chosen season 4 in theaters.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.