Actor Jonathan Roumie has opened up about the profound spiritual and emotional challenges he faced while filming the crucifixion scenes for Season 6 of the popular series The Chosen. Speaking at this year’s ChosenCon in Charlotte, North Carolina, Roumie described the experience as the most difficult of his career, both professionally and personally.
In his portrayal of Jesus, Roumie is tasked with depicting pivotal moments from the Passion narrative. He remarked, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life — both professionally and personally as a human being,” highlighting the weight of embodying such significant events. The highly anticipated Season 6, set to premiere this fall, focuses on the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ, as detailed in the Gospels.
Roumie, a devout Catholic, prepared for the role by seeking a deeper connection with Jesus’ experience on the cross. “I spent a lot of time asking the Lord to show me what he wanted people to see,” he explained. The actor was determined to authentically convey the suffering of Christ, which he viewed as a spiritual offering.
Physical and Emotional Toll of Filming
The physical demands of the role became apparent during filming. On the first day, Roumie sustained a shoulder injury after a fall, which he humorously noted was on the same side he would use to carry the cross. He also suffered a head injury during a scene that led to ongoing cervical issues. Despite the pain, Roumie expressed a commitment to channel his suffering into a deeper portrayal. “I can act less … and offer all the pain and the sufferings,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to connect with viewers on a spiritual level.
The emotional intensity of the production affected the entire cast, with Roumie describing the experience as “trauma-bonded.” He noted that the weight of the crucifixion scenes lingered long after filming, comparing it to experiencing symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “It continues to affect me in ways that I did not anticipate,” he admitted.
A Transformative Experience Ahead of Holy Week
As Easter approaches, Roumie reflects on how this year’s observance feels markedly different. “I think there’s a lot more of Christ’s experience in my own consciousness than I now bring into the season,” he shared. This Holy Week will be particularly intense for him, as he continues to process the profound implications of recreating the Passion.
Despite the darkness inherent in the scenes he filmed, Roumie remains focused on the positive message he hopes to convey to audiences. He wants viewers to understand that Jesus is deeply invested in their lives, embodying love, compassion, and mercy. “He is accessible to people,” Roumie explained, encouraging viewers to see Jesus not as a distant figure but as someone who desires a personal relationship.
Roumie’s journey to his role as Jesus was marked by personal struggles, including a period of hardship just months prior to his casting. “I got on my knees, and I prayed,” he recounted, explaining how he surrendered his challenges to God. This pivotal moment of faith coincided with his casting in a role that would reach over 250 million viewers globally.
As Roumie continues to navigate his role as both an actor and a spiritual guide, he aims to inspire others through his portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen. His dedication to authenticity and emotional depth in the character serves as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling in faith-based narratives.
