'The Chosen's' Jonathan Roumie on Season 4 and the 'Turning Point' of Jesus's Ministry

LOS ANGELES – From its humble beginnings filming in a Dallas-area industrial warehouse five years ago, The Chosen has literally exploded into a cultural phenomenon as the show nears the release of Season 4.

In a phased release, The Chosen will debut episodes 1-3 in movie theaters nationwide on February 1st, to be followed by episodes 4-6 on February 15th, and episodes 7-8 to complete the month-long cinematic run on February 29th. All episodes will move to various streaming platforms in early March.

While earlier seasons focused on the early, happier years of Jesus’ ministry, Season 4 showcases the struggles the Son of God endured leading up to his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. The eight new episodes certainly serve as a crucible of sorts, where He is tested, purified, and ultimately strengthened by the most challenging days of His earthly ministry.

Jonathan Roumie, a devout Catholic who has played the role of Jesus since the show’s inception, admits the new season of shows challenged him greatly as an actor, so much so that the intensity of these moments sometimes drained him both mentally and physically.

I recently sat down with the 49-year-old  Roumie at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills to discuss his ‘role of a lifetime’, the intense challenges he faced filming Season 4, and why it is important for viewers to watch the trials and tribulations Jesus faced up close.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW: