The cast of the successful series The Chosen He was recently in Matera, Italy, filming the crucifixion of Jesus, which will be presented in season 6. Abe Bueno-Jallad, the actor who plays Santiago el Mayor (Big James), shared that “he had never seen the cast so concentrated.”
Although he could not reveal many details about the next season, he said in an interview with CNA – an English assignment of Ewtn News – that the actors “are all supporting each other at this time. All are carrying a very large weight this season as actors.”
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“Incredible things have happened in the set. I have returned on days that I did not have to work just to look, and I have seen scenes that have put my chicken skin,” he added.
5 & 2 Studios, the producer behind The Chosen, and Amazon MGM Studios recently announced several plans on future series seasons.
First, the episodes of season 6, prior to the end, will be released exclusively in prime video in 2026, although there has been no official date. In addition, for the first time, both producers will collaborate to launch the end of the season as a movie in cinemas, which will show the crucifixion of Jesus, on May 12, 2027.
Finally, the premiere of season 7 will also become a film that will represent the resurrection of Jesus and will be screened in cinemas on March 31, 2028.
Currently, spectators can see season 5 exclusively by Prime Video, before it is available for free in the application of The Chosen. Episodes 1 and 2 premiered on June 15; Episodes 3, 4 and 5 on June 22; and episodes 6, 7 and 8 will leave on June 29.
Well-Jallad joined the series in season 2, after a change of actor at the end of season 1. Despite not having been in the first season, he had several follow-up auditions and remained attentive to the development of production.
He recalled in his interview with CNA that the cast and the team were not even sure to finish filming and production of the first season, so “knowing that we are now on Amazon is crazy! Amazon is huge!”
When talking about the films that are being prepared, well-jallad commented: “I love being part of a company and a project that is not afraid to stir things, move the waters, do things differently: ‘get used to the different’ has always been our motto.”
For those who could not see season 5 in cinemas and are seeing it for the first time in Prime Video, well-Jallad shared that “we are all at a very intense boiling point.”
He added: “Jesus is trying to convey, especially to some characters, that this is, that this will be the last time.”
The actor shared that these five years in the series have “changed without a doubt.”
“The character’s research and have to study the perspective, understand that at that time the New Testament did not exist, so what was my only biblical reference? Go thoroughly with this … Read as much as I can. I completely immerse myself in the idea of who these people were,” he explained.
He has also learned several things from his character while interpreting him.
“It is this idea of knowing when to listen without sacrificing the greatest and most strong parts of your personality, knowing how to be … I think, as men, especially … knowing how to be vulnerable without feeling that it makes you less protective,” he shared.
“I really tried to put that into practice in season 5. I wanted to show the Big James more open, centered and vulnerable, but that it was still strong and powerful,” said Bueno-Jallad.
“I think, as men, we need that message today: how not to lose ourselves or think that emotions are weakness. You are still a protector, whatever happens.”
Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published a CNA.
Francesca Purchio Fenton
Francesca Pollio Fenton is responsible for social networks of Catholic News Agency. He received his degree in communications with emphasis on digital media from the University of Colorado, in Denver (United States).