“The Chosen” has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling approach to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As the first multi-season series dedicated to this narrative, it has sparked conversations not only about its artistic and narrative aspects but also regarding the faith of its cast. This blog delves into the series’ impact, its portrayal of biblical events, and the intriguing question: Are the actors in “The Chosen” Christian?
This exploration seeks to understand how personal faith intersects with professional portrayal in a series dedicated to depicting the cornerstone of Christianity.
The Series Overview
Created by Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen seeks to humanize Jesus and his followers through richly crafted backstories. It is the first-ever multi-season television depiction of Jesus, with five seasons released and two more planned. Funded largely through grassroots crowdfunding—raising over $40 million from supporters—the show demonstrates the power of community-driven content .
Critically acclaimed for its historical authenticity, character depth, and emotionally resonant storytelling, the show is praised by believers and non-believers alike.
The Cast’s Faith Background
The question of whether the actors in “The Chosen” are Christian stems from a broader curiosity about how much personal beliefs influence an actor’s portrayal of religious figures. While not all cast members have publicly discussed their faith, several key actors have openly shared their Christian beliefs and how these beliefs have impacted their approach to their roles.
Jonathan Roumie (Jesus)
Roumie is a devout Catholic who credits his personal faith with transforming both his life and performance. He has shared how prayer and surrender to God led to his breakthrough:
“I was broke… all I could do was surrender … Three months later, I booked The Chosen.”
In a recent People.com feature, he emphasized that being open about his faith has had no adverse effect on his career—if anything, it’s enhanced it. His global influence was symbolized by a heartfelt audience at the Vatican, where he met Pope Leo XIV on June 25, 2025.
Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene)
Tabish speaks candidly about being a Christian and a progressive voice:
“I’m a hardcore leftist… those are deeply Christian values.”
She affirms how The Chosen strengthened her spirituality, particularly through playing a transformative biblical figure.
RELATED: Dallas Jenkins Reveals ‘Very First Line That Was Ever Written’ for ‘The Chosen’
Other cast & production
While Roumie and Tabish are vocal about their faith, not all cast members have publicly commented on their beliefs. Jenkins stated that casting prioritized authentic portrayal over personal faith, fostering inclusivity and depth.
Impact on Viewers and Discussion
The varied faith backgrounds of the cast have sparked debate: does an actor’s own belief matter? Some argue shared faith lends authenticity, while others highlight professional empathy as sufficient. The Chosen has steered the conversation toward the humanity of biblical figures, reaching ~280–300 million viewers in 175 countries.
Fan stories include heartfelt testimonies during special screenings and deepened personal faith journeys.
