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At the 2024 ChosenCon, The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins shared insights about meeting Mel Gibson and the filming of Season 5 amid ongoing controversies. Since the start of filming for the fifth season, Jenkins has connected with Gibson, discussing the challenges of portraying biblical stories, particularly the Last Supper, which has gained significant attention due to recent global events, including the controversial portrayal at the Paris Olympics.
Jenkins revealed that the Last Supper scene was filmed just a week before the Olympics opened. He noted that while they weren’t trying to make a political statement, the timing created a “perfect storm” of engagement with fans. He emphasized that their approach is not to engage in culture wars but to present a depiction of biblical events and invite viewers to reflect on them.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Jenkins affirmed that the show embraces its Jewish roots and aims to care for everyone affected by violence. He reiterated that while The Chosen is unapologetically about its faith background, it seeks to promote understanding rather than division.
When discussing the interest of younger audiences, Jenkins expressed gratitude for their support, emphasizing that he aims to create content that resonates with Millennials and Gen Z. He highlighted that The Chosen is for a younger version of himself, seeking to provide engaging faith-based narratives that weren’t available during his college years.
Jenkins also shared his recent encounter with Mel Gibson, where they exchanged stories about the pressures of accurately telling biblical narratives. While acknowledging their different styles, he expressed mutual respect for each other’s work in this genre.
Overall, Jenkins is excited about the direction of The Chosen, with plans for future seasons that will continue to explore key biblical events, including the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.