The Chosen is an American historical drama television series created, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins.[1] It is the first multiseason series about the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.[2] Primarily set in Judaea and Galilee in the 1st century, the series centers on Jesus and the different people who met and followed or otherwise interacted with him. The series stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, alongside Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, and George H. Xanthis.
Cast
editMain
edit- = Main cast (credited)
- = Recurring cast (2+)
- = Guest cast (1)
Character | Portrayed by | Seasons | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
Simon Peter | Shahar Isaac | Main | |||
Jesus | Jonathan Roumie[a] | Main | |||
Mary Magdalene | Elizabeth Tabish[b] | Main | |||
Matthew the Apostle | Paras Patel | Main | |||
Andrew | Noah James | Main | |||
Zohara | Janis Dardaris | Main | |||
Eden | Lara Silva | Main | Guest | Main | |
Shmuel | Shaan Sharma | Main | |||
Zebedee | Nick Shakoour | Main | |||
John the Apostle | George H. Xanthis | Main | |||
Big James | Shayan Sobhian[c] | Main | |||
Kian Kavousi[d] | Main | ||||
Abe Bueno-Jallad[e] | Main | ||||
Nicodemus | Erick Avari | Main | |||
Quintus Benedictus Dio | Brandon Potter | Main | Recurring | Main | |
Gaius | Kirk B. R. Woller | Main | Recurring | Main | |
Thaddeus | Giavani Cairo | Main | |||
Little James | Jordan Walker Ross | Main | |||
Thomas | Joey Vahedi | Guest | Main | ||
Ramah | Yasmine Al-Bustami | Guest | Main | ||
Mary of Nazareth | Vanessa Benavente[f] | Guest | Main | ||
Philip | Yoshi Barrigas[g] | Main | |||
Reza Diako[h] | Main | ||||
Nathanael | Austin Reed Alleman | Main | |||
Simon Z. | Alaa Safi[i] | Main | |||
Judas Iscariot | Luke Dimyan | Guest | Main | ||
Yussif | Ivan Jasso | Recurring | Main | ||
Tamar | Amber Shana Williams | Guest | Recurring | Main | |
Atticus Aemilius Pulcher | Elijah Alexander | Recurring | Main |
Recurring
editCharacter | Portrayed by | Seasons | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
The Blind Beggar | Andrew Flagg | Recurring | Guest | ||
John the Baptizer | David Amito | Recurring | |||
Josiah | Steve Shermett | Recurring | Guest | ||
Salome | Nina Rose Leon | Recurring | Guest | Recurring | |
Dasha | Leticia Magaña | Recurring | Recurring | ||
Jesse | Dennis Apergis[j] | Recurring | Guest | ||
Yanni | Wasim No'mani | Recurring | |||
Madai | Tony Sears | Recurring | |||
Lamech | Sergio Lanza | Recurring | |||
Alphaeus | Troy Caylak | Guest | Recurring | ||
Jairus | Alessandro Colla | Recurring | |||
Veronica | Zhaleh Vossough | Recurring | Guest | ||
Michal | Mel Mehrabian | Recurring | |||
Nili | Ella McCain | Recurring | |||
Akiva | Philip Shahbaz | Recurring | |||
Argo | Greg Roman | Recurring | |||
Telemachus | Kace Winfield | Recurring | |||
Ivo | Malachi Grayson | Recurring | Guest | ||
Chuza | Nick Chinlund | Recurring | |||
Joanna | Amy Bailey | Guest | Recurring | ||
Herodias | Shereen Khan | Recurring | |||
Herod Antipas | Paul Ben-Victor | Recurring | |||
Joseph Ben Caiaphas | Richard Fancy | Recurring | |||
Zebadiah | Brad Culver | Recurring | |||
Shammai | Ric Sarabia | Guest | Recurring | ||
David | Jorge Franco IV | Guest | Recurring | ||
Lazarus | Demetrios Troy | Guest | Recurring | ||
Martha | Sophia Cameron Blum | Guest | Recurring | ||
Mary of Bethany | Catherine Lidstone | Guest | Recurring | ||
Gedera | Liche Ariza | Recurring |
Main characters
editSimon Peter
editPortrayed by Shahar Isaac, Simon Peter is a former fisherman in Capernaum, who is the de facto leader and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus.[3][4] He is one of the sons of Jonah, the older brother of Andrew, the husband of Eden, the son-in-law of Dasha, and a former fishing partner of Zebedee and his sons. Alongside the two brothers, Big James and John, Simon Peter is part of Jesus's inner circle. Jesus gives Simon a new name, Peter, meaning "rock".[5]
Jesus
editPortrayed by Jonathan Roumie, Jesus is a craftsman and a rabbi from Nazareth. The son of Mary and Joseph and the cousin of John the Baptizer, he is considered the Messiah and the Son of God by some, but due to the crowds that follow him, he is viewed as a potential threat by others. Jesus often identifies himself as the "Son of Man".
Darren Valinotti and Shayan Fazli portray child and adolescent Jesus, respectively.
Mary Magdalene
editPortrayed by Elizabeth Tabish, Mary Magdalene is a formerly demon-possessed woman from Magdala and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
Camila Carreon portrays a child Mary Magdalene.
Matthew the Apostle
editPortrayed by Paras Patel, Matthew the Apostle is a former tax collector in Capernaum and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is the son of Alphaeus and the former tax collector of Simon Peter and Andrew.
Andrew
editPortrayed by Noah James, Andrew is a former fisherman in Capernaum and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is one of the sons of Jonah, the younger brother of Simon Peter, a former disciple of John the Baptizer, a friend of Philip from his hometown, Bethsaida, and a former fishing partner of Zebedee and his sons. Alongside Philip, he is a former comrade of Avner and Nadab.
Zohara
editPortrayed by Janis Dardaris, Zohara is the wife of Nicodemus.
Eden
editPortrayed by Lara Silva, Eden is the wife of Simon Peter, the daughter of Dasha, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
Shmuel
editPortrayed by Shaan Sharma, Shmuel is a leading Pharisee from Capernaum and a member of the Sanhedrin.
Zebedee
editPortrayed by Nick Shakoour, Zebedee is a former fisherman in Capernaum, the father of Big James and John, the husband of Salome, and a former fishing partner of Simon Peter and Andrew.
John the Apostle
editPortrayed by George H. Xanthis, John the Apostle is a former fisherman in Capernaum and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is one of the sons of Zebedee and Salome, the younger brother of Big James, and a former fishing partner of Simon Peter and Andrew. Jesus nicknames him and his brother, Big James, the "sons of thunder". Alongside Simon Peter and Big James, John is a part of Jesus's inner circle.
Big James
editPortrayed by Shayan Sobhian and Kian Kavousi in season 1 then by Abe Bueno-Jallad starting with season 2, Big James is a former fisherman in Capernaum and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is one of the sons of Zebedee and Salome, the older brother of John, and a former fishing partner of Simon Peter and Andrew. Jesus nicknames him and his brother, John, the "sons of thunder". Alongside Simon Peter and John, Big James is a part of Jesus's inner circle.
Nicodemus
editPortrayed by Erick Avari, Nicodemus is a leading Pharisee from Jerusalem, a respected rabbi, and a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin. He is a secret disciple of Jesus.
Quintus Benedictus Dio
editPortrayed by Brandon Potter, Quintus Benedictus Dio is a former Roman magistrate in Capernaum and the former Praetor of Galilee.
Gaius
editPortrayed by Kirk B. R. Woller, Gaius is a former high-ranking Roman centurion and a Roman magistrate in Capernaum, the father of his servant son named Ivo, and the current Praetor of Galilee. He is the former guard of Matthew.
Thaddeus
editPortrayed by Giavani Cairo, Thaddeus is a former stonemason in Bethsaida and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is the son of James.
Little James
editPortrayed by Jordan Walker Ross, Little James is a former prospective member of the 288 Jerusalem Temple choir and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is the son of Alphaeus.
Thomas
editPortrayed by Joey Vahedi, Thomas is a former caterer from the Plains of Sharon, the partner of Ramah, and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus.
Ramah
editPortrayed by Yasmine Al-Bustami, Ramah is a former vintner from Tel Dor, the deceased partner of Thomas, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry. She is the daughter of Kafni.
Mary of Nazareth
editPortrayed by Vanessa Benavente, Mary of Nazareth is the earthly mother of Jesus, the widowed wife of Joseph from Nazareth, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry. She is a relative of the couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and the aunt of John the Baptizer.
Sara Anne recurs as a younger Mary.
Philip
editPortrayed by Yoshi Barrigas in seasons 2 and 3 then by Reza Diako starting with season 4,[6] Philip is a former disciple of John the Baptizer and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is both a companion of Andrew from his hometown, Bethsaida, and an old friend of Nathanael. Alongside Andrew, he is a former comrade of Avner and Nadab.
Nathanael
editPortrayed by Austin Reed Alleman, Nathanael is a former architect in Caesarea Philippi from Cana and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is the son of Talmai and an old friend of Philip.
Simon Z.
editPortrayed by Alaa Safi, Simon Z. is a former Zealot from Ashkelon and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus.
Joseph Scott Campbell portrays an adolescent Simon Z.
Judas Iscariot
editPortrayed by Luke Dimyan, Judas Iscariot is a former business apprentice from Kerioth, who is the treasurer and one of the twelve disciples, called apostles, of Jesus. He is the son of Simon Iscariot.
Yussif
editPortrayed by Ivan Jasso, Yussif is a leading Pharisee from Jerusalem, a respected rabbi, and a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin. He is a secret disciple of Jesus.
Tamar
editPortrayed by Amber Shana Williams, Tamar is an Ethiopian friend of Ethan, the healed paralytic in Capernaum, from Heliopolis, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
Atticus Aemilius Pulcher
editPortrayed by Elijah Alexander, Atticus Aemilius Pulcher is one of the Roman cohortes urbanae sent from Rome to investigate the Zealots and then Jesus.
Recurring characters
edit- The Blind Beggar (Andrew Flagg) The blind beggar is a miracle recipient of Jesus on the road in Capernaum.
- John the Baptizer (David Amito) John the Baptizer is a rabbi, a wandering preacher in the wilderness who baptizes in the Jordan River, and the deceased cousin of Jesus. He is the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah, and a relative of Mary. He is the former rabbi of Andrew and Philip and the rabbi of Avner and Nadab.
- Josiah (Steve Shermett) Josiah is a Pharisee in Capernaum.
- Salome (Nina Rose Leon) Salome is the wife of Zebedee, the mother of Big James and John, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
- Dasha (Leticia Magana) Dasha is the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and the mother of Eden.
- Jesse (Dennis Apergis) Jesse is a former paralytic from Ashkelon, who is healed by Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda.
- Yanni (Wasim No'mani) Yanni is a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem.
- Madai (Tony Sears) Madai is a leading Pharisee in Wadi Kelt.
- Lamech (Sergio Lanza) Lamech is a Pharisee in Wadi Kelt.
- Jairus (Alessandro Colla) Jairus is the synagogue administrator in Capernaum, the husband of Michal, and the father of Nili. He is a secret disciple of Jesus.
- Veronica (Zhaleh Vossough) Veronica is a woman from Caesarea Philippi, who has formerly suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years and is healed by Jesus.
- Michal (Mel Mehrabian) Michal is the wife of Jairus and the mother of Nili.
- Nili (Ella McCain) Nili is the daughter of Jairus and Michal.
- Akiva (Philip Shahbaz) Akiva is a leading Pharisee in Capernaum.
- Argo (Greg Roman) Argo is a Gentile former deaf-mute from Abila in the Decapolis, who is healed by Jesus. He is the father of Telemachus.
- Telemachus (Kace Winfield) Telemachus is a boy from Abila in the Decapolis, who offers five loaves of bread and two fishes. He is the son of Argo.
- Chuza (Nick Chinlund) Chuza is the household manager of King Herod Antipas and the husband of Joanna.
- Joanna (Amy Bailey) Joanna is the wife of the household manager Chuza, a woman who works in King Herod Antipas's court in Machaerus, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
- Herodias (Shereen Khan) Queen Herodias is the wife of King Herod Antipas and the mother of Salome. She has been formerly married to King Herod Antipas's brother, Philip.
- Herod Antipas (Paul Ben-Victor) King Herod Antipas is the tetrarch who serves as the client king of Galilee and Perea. The stepfather of Salome, he is the husband of Queen Herodias, who is his brother's, Philip's, former wife.
- Joseph Ben Caiaphas (Richard Fancy) Joseph Ben Caiaphas is a leading Sadducee in Jerusalem, the high priest of Israel, and the leader of the Sanhedrin.
- Zebadiah (Brad Culver) Zebadiah is a Pharisee in Jerusalem and a member of the Sanhedrin.
- Shammai (Ric Sarabia) Shammai is a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem and both a high-ranking member and the Av Beit Din of the Sanhedrin whose influential house opposes the House of Shimon, son of Hillel.
- David (Jorge Franco IV) David is a psalmist, the king of Israel, and a former fugitive from the former king, Saul. The husband of Queen Bathsheba and Abigail, he is the father of Daniel.
- Lazarus (Demetrios Troy) Lazarus is a businessman in Bethany, a childhood friend of Jesus, and the brother of Mary and Martha.
- Martha (Sophia Cameron Blum) Martha is a woman in Bethany, who is the sister of Lazarus and Mary, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
- Mary of Bethany (Catherine Lidstone) Mary of Bethany is a woman in Bethany, who is the sister of Lazarus and Martha, and one of the women helping Jesus's ministry.
- Gedera (Liche Ariza) Gedera is a Sadducee in Jerusalem and a member of the Sanhedrin.
Guest characters
edit- Joseph (Raj Bond) (seasons 1 and 3): Joseph is a carpenter from Nazareth, the husband of Mary, and the earthly father of Jesus.
- The Master of the Banquet (Phil Mendoza) (season 1): The Master of the Banquet is the host of the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine.
- The Leper on the Road (Stephen Hailo) (season 1): The leper on the road is a miracle recipient of Jesus on the way to Capernaum.
- Ethan (Noe de la Garza) (seasons 1–2): Ethan is a former paralytic in Capernaum, who is healed by Jesus. He is a friend of Tamar.
- Moses (Stelio Savante) (season 1): Moses is the leader of the Israelites, who delivers them out of Egypt, and the mentor of Joshua.
- Joshua (Advait Ghuge) (season 1): Joshua is the assistant of Moses.
- Photina (Vanessa DeSilvio) (seasons 1–2): Photina is a Samaritan woman in Sychar and the wife of Neriah.
- Jacob (Amato D'Apolito) (season 1): Jacob is one of the patriarchs and the ancestor of Israel.
- Neriah (Maz Siam) (seasons 1–2): Neriah is the fifth husband of Photina.
- Melech (Nikhil Prakash) (season 2): Melech is a former Samaritan robber-then-crippled who is healed by Jesus.
- Kafni (Hassan Johan Nazari-Robati) (seasons 2 and 4): Kafni is the father of Ramah.
- Caleb / Belial (Anthony Michael Irizarry) (season 2): Caleb is a former demoniac in Jericho, who is formerly possesed by Belial, the spawn of Oriax and the Fifth Knight of Legion.
- Ahimelech (Marty Lindsey) (season 2): Ahimelech is the high priest in Nob, Israel during David's time and the father of Abiathar.
- Elam (Shaun Bedgood) (season 2): Elam is a synagogue congregant in Wadi Kelt, who formerly has a withered hand and is healed by Jesus.
- Abiathar (Major Dodge Jr.) (season 2): Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech.
- Pontius Pilate (Andrew James Allen) (seasons 3–4): Pontius Pilate is the Roman Procurator in Jerusalem and the governor of Judea. He is the husband of Claudia.
- Claudia (Sarah J. Bartholomew) (seasons 3–4): Claudia is the wife of Pontius Pilate.
- Avner (Ash Kahn) (seasons 3–4): Avner is a disciple of John the Baptizer and a former comrade of Andrew and Philip. Alongside Nadab, he is one of the two messengers John the Baptizer sends to Jesus.
- Nadab (Austen Parros) (season 3): Nadab is a disciple of John the Baptizer and a former comrade of Andrew and Philip. Alongside Avner, he is one of the two messengers John the Baptizer sends to Jesus.
- Matthew the Shepherd (Mike Saad) (season 3): Matthew is a shepherd in Bethlehem who resides in Capernaum. Alongside his fellow shepherd, Simon, he has witnessed the birth of Jesus.
- Ozem (Ethan Flower) (seasons 3–4): Ozem is a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem and a member of the Sanhedrin.
- Asaph (Pezh Maan) (season 3): Asaph is a psalmist, a poet, and a choir director of King David. Alongside Jeduthun as the music composer, Asaph writes a Psalm.
- Bathsheba (Moriah Smallbone) (seasons 3–4): Bathsheba is a wife of King David and the Queen of Israel.
- Jeduthun (Moud Sabra) (season 3): Jeduthun is the chief musician and a choir director of King David. He composes the music for the Psalm of Asaph.
- Zechariah (Tony Amendola) (season 4): Zechariah is a priest in Jerusalem, the husband of Elizabeth, and the father of John the Baptizer.
- Elizabeth (K Callan) (season 4): Elizabeth is the wife of Zechariah, the mother of John the Baptizer, and a relative of Mary and Jesus.
- Salome (Briar Nolet) (season 4): Salome is the daughter of Queen Herodias and the stepdaughter of King Herod Antipas.
- Shimon (Juri Henley-Cohn) (season 4): Shimon is a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem and a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin whose influential house opposes the House of Shammai. He is the son of Hillel.
- Uzziah (Ryan Radis) (season 4): Uzziah is a former man born blind in Capernaum, who is healed by Jesus.
- Father of Uzziah (J Santiago Suarez) (season 4): The father of Uzziah is the husband of the mother of Uzziah.
- Mother of Uzziah (Federica Estaba Rangel) (season 4): The mother of Uzziah is the wife of the father of Uzziah.
- Zechariah (Iman Nazemzade) (season 4): Zechariah is the owner of the donkey where Jesus rides onto Jerusalem.
- Abigail (Angelica Amor) (season 4): Abigail is a wife of King David and the mother of Daniel.
- Daniel (Bryce Robin) (season 4): Daniel is the son of King David and Abigail.
Notes
edit- ^ Darren Valinotti and Shayan Fazli portray child and adolescent Jesus, respectively
- ^ Camila Carreon portrays a child Mary Magdalene
- ^ Sobhian portrays Big James in season 1, episodes 1–4
- ^ Kavousi portrays Big James in season 1, episodes 5–8
- ^ Bueno-Jallad has portrayed Big James since season 2
- ^ Sara Anne recurs as a younger Mary
- ^ Barrigas portrays Philip in seasons 2–3
- ^ Diako has portrayed Philip since season 4
- ^ Joseph Scott Campbell portrays an adolescent Simon Z.
- ^ Benjamin Bottani and Chris Edward Garcia portray child and adolescent Jesse, respectively
References
edit- ^ Moore, Even (March 18, 2020). "'The Chosen': Elgin filmmaker wants people to 'Binge Jesus' on an app". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
- ^ Parke, Caleb (January 7, 2019). "Story about life of Jesus emerges as largest crowdfunded entertainment project in history". Fox News. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
- ^ "The Names of the 12 Disciples". Angel Studios. January 3, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
- ^ "The Chosen Cast & Characters". Angel Studios. September 4, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
- ^ "The Chosen - Season Four". Independent Catholic News. January 26, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ Dillard, Maggie (July 12, 2023). "The Christian Series 'The Chosen' Won the Hearts of Millions and Is Coming to Network TV —Here's What You Need to Know". Yahoo. Retrieved January 10, 2024.