Roumie: Passion Shoot 'Hardest Thing Ever'

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the acclaimed series "The Chosen," has spoken about the profound difficulties faced during the filming of Season 6, which focuses on the Passion of Christ. Roumie stated that recreating the crucifixion was the most challenging endeavor he has undertaken, both professionally and personally. He actively sought to experience a fraction of Jesus's suffering, leading to significant physical and emotional trials on set.

During the filming, Roumie sustained injuries including a painful shoulder injury from a fall and a head injury that resulted in lingering cervical issues. He shared that he intentionally offered up this pain and suffering to God, praying it would be sanctified and used for His glory and the benefit of souls. This intense emotional weight also affected the entire cast, fostering a sense of being "trauma-bonded" and akin to experiencing PTSD.

Roumie reflected that this Easter season feels different after embodying such profound moments. His ultimate goal is to communicate the deep love, forgiveness, and compassion of Jesus, countering any perception of God as a distant judge. He shared that his casting followed a personal "rock bottom" moment where he surrendered his life's control to God, leading to a transformative period before he was chosen for the role that has now reached over 250 million viewers worldwide.