All eight episodes of Season 4 of The Chosen may debut in theaters before transitioning to their traditional free platforms, the creator and director of the Bible-based hit series says.
"We're looking towards actually releasing all of the episodes in theaters," Jenkins said Sunday during a livestream alongside Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrays Jesus.
The first episode likely would hit theaters in January or February, although the decision on a full season in theaters is not final, he said.
Jenkins dubbed the livestream an "unofficial wrap party" and revealed that the rough cuts from the first three episodes of Season 4 are in the can, he said, adding that he is pleased with the result.
During the one-hour livestream, Jenkins also said:
- Season 4 will affect viewers in a way that previous seasons have not.
"I actually think this is going to be the most impactful season we've ever done emotionally and spiritually," Jenkins said.
While editing the new season, Jenkins said he thought, "This is even more intense than I thought. … It's turning out actually better than I expected."
- The story of Jesus' arrest, death and crucifixion will appear in Season 6.
"Season 7 is what happens afterwards," he said.
- Asked to list a Bible verse that describes Season 4, Jenkins said, "I said to some people last year, the theme was, 'Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' And this season Jesus is weary and heavy laden. … As we approach Holy Week, the weight of it starts to hit Jesus."
Meanwhile, both Jenkins and Roumie discussed what they want to do after Season 7 of The Chosen.
"We are working on a lot of things that we'll be announcing," Jenkins said. "Eventually, I've got a movie that I'm very passionate about that I've been chasing for years that I might be able to get to do sometime in the near future."
Roumie said he would like to "do a really well-made Exorcist film," where the "characters felt like real priests as opposed to caricatures." Roumie also expressed an interest in Westerns and science fiction.
Jenkins joked, "After The Chosen is done, can we nap for about a year?"
Photo courtesy: ©The Chosen, used with permission.
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
