The Chosen Season 5 debuts with Last Supper, promising intense Passion of Christ

The fifth season of The Chosen: The Chosen Ones, titled Last Supper, has arrived in theaters with its first two episodes, marking a pivotal moment in the series that retells the life of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the events leading up to the Passion, the season delves into the critical moments of Holy Week, including Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the expulsion of the money changers from the Temple. Directed by Dallas Jenkins, the production promises to be the most intense yet, exploring the emotional and spiritual depth of Jesus’ final days on Earth. The initial episodes, screened in cinemas before their streaming release, have already sparked fervent reactions among audiences, who praise the fidelity to the Gospels and the dramatic weight of the scenes.

The series, which has captivated millions of viewers worldwide, is approaching one of the most significant periods in the Christian narrative. The decision to open the season with glimpses of the Last Supper reflects Jenkins’ intent to capture the essence of the Christian faith, encapsulated in the events of Easter. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, riding a donkey and hailed by a crowd, is recreated with simplicity and authenticity, evoking the Jerusalem of the first century, far from the grandeur some might imagine. The production excels in portraying the humility of the moment, with a modest crowd of disciples and followers, echoing the accounts in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

Hosanna to the Son of David!

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— The Chosen (@thechosentv) April 13, 2025

Moreover, the season introduces a growing atmosphere of tension, with conflicts between Jesus, the Pharisees, and Roman authorities. The expulsion of the money changers from the Temple, one of the most iconic episodes in Christ’s life, is depicted with vigor, highlighting Jesus’ courage and authority. These moments, combined with subplots involving the apostles, set the stage for the dramatic events that will culminate in the crucifixion, to be explored in future seasons.

• Key highlights of the initial episodes:
  • Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with followers acclaiming Jesus.
  • Expulsion of money changers from the Temple, reinforcing the message of spiritual purity.
  • Glimpses of the Last Supper, foreshadowing the season’s emotional depth.
  • Apostle subplots, expanding the series’ narrative universe.

Narrative intensity defines the new phase

The fifth season of The Chosen stands out for the density of the events portrayed, covering a brief but profoundly significant period. Dallas Jenkins, the creator and director, emphasizes that the season was designed to reflect the importance of Holy Week, a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The narrative spans roughly 60 days of Jesus’ life, but each episode is crafted to convey the spiritual and emotional weight of these moments. The choice to premiere the first two episodes in theaters underscores the production’s ambition to deliver an immersive experience, with scenes that blend historical fidelity and creative liberty.

The script explores not only the central events but also the parallel stories of the apostles, who take center stage in moments of doubt, loyalty, and spiritual growth. Characters like Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene have their arcs deepened, offering audiences a more intimate connection with Jesus’ followers. These subplots, carefully interwoven, broaden the scope of the series and lay the groundwork for future projects in the The Chosen universe, including potential spin-offs centered on the apostles.

The production also excels in depicting the political and religious tensions of the era. The Pharisees, high priests, and Roman authorities feature in subplots that enrich the historical context. The rivalry between these figures and Jesus is explored through well-crafted dialogues, revealing their motivations. The series uses creative imagination to fill in gaps in the Gospels while maintaining orthodoxy, respecting the essence of the biblical texts. This balance between creativity and fidelity is a key strength of the season, captivating both religious audiences and viewers interested in historical dramas.

Challenges of portraying Jesus Christ

Jonathan Roumie, aged 50, returns as Jesus Christ, bringing charisma and sensitivity to the role. His performance, while praised by many, faces the monumental challenge of embodying a central figure of the Christian faith. The character’s complexity deepens as the narrative approaches the Passion, demanding nuances beyond what Roumie has delivered in previous seasons. The production acknowledges this difficulty, but the actor’s charisma and dedication to the role compensate for any limitations, earning the audience’s empathy.

Roumie’s casting reflects Jenkins’ vision of presenting a Jesus who is human, accessible, and deeply spiritual. In scenes like the entry into Jerusalem, the actor conveys humility and strength, capturing the duality of a leader who is both divine and relatable. However, as the season progresses toward more intense moments, such as the Last Supper and the Passion, the dramatic demands increase. The audience, aware of the significance of what is being portrayed, appears willing to embrace Roumie’s interpretation, even if it falls short of the caliber of actors like Anthony Hopkins.

Jenkins’ direction also helps balance the cast’s limitations. The camera focuses on details, such as the glances exchanged between Jesus and his disciples, to convey emotion without relying solely on acting. The soundtrack, composed by Matt Nelson and Dan Haseltine, enhances the atmosphere of tension and spirituality, guiding viewers through moments of reflection and drama. These technical elements elevate the experience, making the season engaging even in its most challenging moments.

• Elements that strengthen Roumie’s performance:
  • Natural charisma, connecting audiences with the character.
  • Careful direction, emphasizing visual and auditory details.
  • Support from a strong secondary cast, sharing the dramatic weight.
  • Fidelity to the character’s spiritual essence, respecting the Gospels.

Historical context and fidelity to the Gospels

The recreation of first-century Jerusalem is a highlight of the fifth season. The production invested in sets and costumes that reflect the era’s reality, with narrow streets, bustling markets, and the Temple as the center of religious life. Jesus’ entry into the city, riding a donkey, is portrayed with simplicity, emphasizing the humility of the moment described in the Gospels. The crowd, composed of disciples and followers, is not exaggerated, reinforcing historical authenticity and avoiding a romanticized depiction.

The expulsion of the money changers from the Temple, another pivotal moment, is presented with energy and visual impact. The scene captures Jesus’ outrage at the commercialization of the sacred space, while dialogues with Pharisees and priests deepen the religious conflict. The series adheres to the Synoptic Gospels, which place the expulsion before the Passion, ensuring chronological accuracy.

The season also shines in its handling of political subplots. Roman authorities, represented by figures like Pilate, appear in moments that highlight the weight of Roman occupation over Judea. The Pharisees and Sadducees are portrayed with nuance, revealing their motivations and internal conflicts. These additional layers enrich the narrative, providing a comprehensive view of the context in which Jesus lived and preached.

Chronology of portrayed events

The fifth season covers the initial events of Holy Week, following the order described in the Synoptic Gospels. The narrative is structured to guide viewers through the moments leading to the Passion, with a clear and engaging progression. Below are the main events depicted in the first two episodes:

• Triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Jesus is hailed as king by followers, riding a donkey, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
• Expulsion of money changers from the Temple: Jesus confronts merchants, denouncing the desecration of the sacred space.
• Tensions with Pharisees and priests: Dialogues and confrontations highlight the growing hostility of religious authorities.
• Glimpses of the Last Supper: Initial scenes suggest preparation for the season’s central moment, to be explored in future episodes.

This chronology reflects the series’ fidelity to biblical texts, while creative liberty is used to enrich character interactions. Starting with fragments of the Last Supper creates powerful anticipation for the events to come.

Global impact and audience reception

Since its debut, The Chosen has become a global phenomenon, reaching millions of viewers in over 170 countries. Initially funded through crowdfunding, the series has attracted a diverse audience, including Christians of various denominations and viewers interested in historical dramas. The fifth season, with its theatrical premiere, reinforces the production’s cultural impact, translated into over 50 languages.

The cinema release of the first two episodes drew thousands of viewers, many of whom shared emotional reactions on social media. The hashtag #TheChosenSeason5 trended on platforms like X, reflecting audience enthusiasm, with praise for the spiritual fidelity and technical quality. Positive reviews highlight the series’ ability to make the Gospels accessible to new generations, though some note the need for deeper performances in certain roles.

The strategy of premiering episodes in theaters before streaming proved effective. In the United States, the debut grossed millions in box office revenue, exceeding expectations for a faith-based production. In Brazil, screenings in select cinemas attracted a devoted audience, filling theaters in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte. The full season, when released on platforms like the official The Chosen app and streaming services, is expected to achieve even greater reach.

Subplots and the future of The Chosen universe

The apostles’ parallel stories are a cornerstone of the fifth season, offering emotional connection with the audience. Peter, for instance, grapples with doubts about his leadership role, while Mary Magdalene reflects on her spiritual transformation. These individual arcs not only deepen the characters but also pave the way for future projects. Dallas Jenkins has confirmed plans for spin-offs, including series focused on figures like the apostles and post-resurrection events.

Subplots involving Pharisees and Roman authorities further enrich the season. The rivalry between religious leaders and Jesus is explored through dialogues that reveal their fears of losing influence and concerns about political stability. These layers add complexity, showing how Jesus’ message challenged the era’s power structures.

The production also introduces new characters, such as minor figures interacting with Jesus and the apostles. These additions, though fictional, are carefully integrated to respect the historical and biblical context. The depth of these subplots suggests that The Chosen is building an expansive narrative universe, with potential to explore different periods and perspectives of Christian history.

• Possible directions for The Chosen universe:
  • Spin-offs centered on apostles like Peter and John.
  • Series exploring the post-resurrection period and early Church formation.
  • Narratives focused on secondary figures like Mary Magdalene or Joseph of Arimathea.
  • Exploration of Old Testament events tied to Jesus’ lineage.

Technical quality elevates the experience

The fifth season of The Chosen impresses with its technical quality, combining detailed sets, authentic costumes, and an evocative soundtrack. The recreation of first-century Jerusalem is meticulous, with attention to details like the Temple’s architecture and city markets. Costumes, designed to reflect the era’s simplicity, contrast with the visual richness of Temple scenes, striking a balance between humility and grandeur.

The cinematography, led by Akis Konstantakopoulos, uses natural light and earthy tones to convey Judea’s atmosphere. Scenes like the entry into Jerusalem and the expulsion of the money changers are filmed dynamically, capturing the energy of the moments. The soundtrack alternates between introspective melodies and epic themes, guiding viewers through emotional highs and lows.

Dallas Jenkins’ direction is a standout, prioritizing emotion and spirituality. The camera often lingers on close-ups of characters’ faces, capturing their reactions and inner conflicts. This approach fosters an intimate connection with the audience, making them feel part of the events. The combination of these technical elements elevates the season, making it one of the series’ most impactful.

Expectations for upcoming episodes

With only two episodes released, the fifth season has set an intense tone that promises to deepen in future chapters. The Last Supper, introduced in fragments, will be the season’s centerpiece, with scenes likely to explore the emotional weight of Judas’ betrayal and the institution of the Eucharist. The narrative is also expected to cover Jesus’ anguish in Gethsemane, setting the stage for the Passion in future seasons.

Interactions between Jesus and the apostles will gain prominence, with moments of intimacy and teaching that reinforce the message of love and sacrifice. Political subplots involving Pilate and religious leaders are likely to escalate, showing how Jesus’ condemnation resulted from a complex interplay of power. These elements suggest the season will maintain a balance of drama, spirituality, and historical context.

Audience expectations are high, especially after the impact of the initial episodes. Online forums and social media buzz with speculation about how the series will handle Jesus’ final moments, with many praising Jenkins’ boldness in tackling sacred events. The promise of three more seasons ensures the narrative will be developed carefully, delivering a satisfying conclusion to The Chosen’s journey.

• Anticipated moments in upcoming episodes:
  • The complete Last Supper, with the institution of the Eucharist.
  • Judas’ betrayal and conflicts among the apostles.
  • Jesus’ trial and interactions with Pilate.
  • Gethsemane scenes, highlighting Christ’s anguish before the crucifixion.