The Chosen has released a video showing an emotional, behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the crucifixion of Jesus, portrayed in the forthcoming Season 6. The video, which notably doesn’t show Jesus, reveals the emotional toll the process has taken on the cast and crew, a number of whom are shown weeping even when the season is not actively being filmed.
The Chosen Gives Glimpse Into Filming Jesus’ Crucifixion
As each season has progressed, Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the popular series, has expressed that the role only grows more challenging. On Instagram June 15, Roumie posted photos of himself next to a cross, saying:
There is yet more suffering to endure, not only as my character, but through my own sacrificial offering as an artist to embody and accept every ounce of pain and discomfort associated with the process of making Christ’s own suffering very real to everyone who not only participates in the production, but to those who witness the finished product. I.e., YOU.
“I have witnessed many members of my cast and crew emotionally leveled much in the same way I have been,” he said. “The grace is that we have been lifting each other up throughout, and I couldn’t feel more blessed. What we are creating shall transcend all of us.”
Speaking to ChurchLeaders on the red carpet of the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards May 25, Roumie said at the time the crucifixion was the most challenging aspect of filming. “There’s no way to get around the difficulty of that on so many levels,” he said. “Just trying to be ready for it, and trying to, I don’t know, just empty myself and allow the Lord to just be with me throughout the process.”
The process had clearly taken a toll on his body, with Roumie appearing noticeably thinner than he had months prior, a change he acknowledged. “I’ve been training specifically for this season,” he said, “so there’s been a lot of self-sacrifice in order to birth, to bring my idea of how I want Jesus to feel and look for Season 6.”
Roumie requested prayer as he portrays Jesus Christ in the newest season. Abe Bueno-Jallad, who plays Big James in “The Chosen,” also asked for prayer during an interview with ChurchLeaders. Bueno-Jallad asked for “fortitude, an open heart, and a strong back” throughout the filming of Season 6, calling the experience “a very beautifully intense time.”
“If people can pray for us to to keep our hearts open, because our humanity just wants to close off to this story,” he said, “and it’s just so challenging to keep open, and I know that everybody is struggling, [but] we’re all unifying together to be there for one another.”
The video showing the filming of the crucifixion has no words in it but shows moments from the process as somber music plays. Viewers see Jesus’ cross, Roman guards, Pharisees, stage blood being painted on an actor, and Dallas Jenkins directing the cast.
