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Season 5 of ‘The Chosen’ ‘gets even more real,’ creator and director Dallas Jenkins says

The final livestream of 2023 was broadcast by “The Chosen’s” official YouTube account on Sunday night. A scene from Season 4 was teased during the livestream; creator Dallas Jenkins stated that this scene will only be accessible for around a day following the webcast’s conclusion.

Additionally, Jenkins spoke with Christian worship leader Phil Wickham and Vanessa Benavente, who plays Mother Mary in “The Chosen.”

Jenkins began the broadcast by stating his reason for being in Canada at the time. He claimed to be filming “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” his big-screen adaptation of his “dream project.”

Obtaining the rights to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” took Jenkins fifteen years. He claimed that he continued to pray and felt that he shouldn’t give up during the entire process. Vanessa Benavente and Elizabeth Tabish, two cast members of “The Chosen,” have been revealed as participants in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

A closer look at what was said during the broadcast may be found here.

“O Holy Night: Christmas with The Chosen”
Jenkins stated that he believes the “The Chosen” Christmas special should be seen in theaters from December 12 to December 17.

“The Shepherd” and “The Messengers” have been combined and altered for the special. Jenkins stated that it’s more than just a mash-up of the two specials. Two new monologues and a new musical performance are spliced in with the two.

Jenkins predicted that the event will be emotional and mentioned the possibility of a new Christmas classic.

Jenkins referred to Andrea Bocelli as “the best voice in the world” and stated that he was a fan of “The Chosen.” Jenkins also mentioned that a performance of Bocelli featuring his son Mateo was taped especially for the upcoming special.

Jenkins interviewed Benavente after they had discussed the special, asking her about her experience playing “the most famous woman in history” and whether or not she felt under pressure.

Both yes and no. Regarding her part as Mother Mary, Benavente remarked, “I feel like the script, even from the first scene I had to audition, it sounded like a real person.” “I gave her some attributes from people in my family,” she continued, referring to the affectionate demeanor her grandmother’s sister had given her.

Benavente also discussed the scene with Tabish, or Mary Magdalene, following the death of Jesus. She claimed that although she had imagined Tabish’s character consoling her, she had actually ended up consoling Tabish’s character. She found it to be a very emotional event.

Stories regarding the bond between Mother Mary and Jesus—a mother and son—are the main theme of “The Chosen.” According to Benavente, these scenes’ universality renders them relatable.

In the livestream conversation, “The Chosen” official account revealed that “Christmas with The Chosen: O Holy Night” will be accessible on the app in time for the holiday season.

Jenkins and Benavente talked about what viewers may anticipate from Season 4 during the livestream.

“This is going to be challenging, especially for Mary,” Benavente remarked. “Realities are beginning to take shape. She is aware that the end is near. I’m not sure how much of every detail she is aware of.

“It was a tough season to shoot,” she added, saying that the emotional aspects of the season made it difficult.

Jenkins concurred with Benavente, stating, “It’s a beautiful season, it’s a painful season.” He previously called the season “our most emotionally challenging season” so far.

Jenkins gave a hint about what to expect in Season 5, which does not yet have an announced release date. He said that it “becomes even more real.” Filming for Season 5 is now scheduled to start in April.

The reach of ‘The Chosen’
“I want you to know that you have brothers and sisters around the world who are risking their lives for this,” Jenkins said, explaining that around the world people are working on translating “The Chosen” in areas that may not be friendly toward the show.

Jenkins showed a video of a man named Imed Dabbour. Dabbour converted to Christianity and left Tunisia to live in the Middle East. His son Zack approached him after he saw “The Chosen” and Dabbour said he was struck by the artistic quality of the show and how people both Christian and non-Christian were able to see something new in Jesus when they watched the show.

Dabbour then met with the Come and See Foundation and “The Chosen” to get involved in the work of translating the show. Now he’s part of a team that is translating the show into different languages.

“What he’s doing is allowing people to see the show,” Jenkins said. “… Let’s keeping praying for him, let’s keep supporting him.”

Where can I watch ‘The Chosen’ Christmas special?
On Tuesday, “Christmas with The Chosen: O Holy Night” will premiere in theaters. The official streaming date for the apps has not yet been announced. It’ll be in theaters from Dec. 12 to Dec. 17. It features a new performance from Andrea and Mateo Bocelli; they will be singing “O Holy Night” in French.

“The Shepherd” and “The Messengers” are available to stream on the app.

When is ‘The Chosen’ on the CW?
“The Chosen” airs each Sunday on the CW at 6 pm MT/8 pm MT.

Related
It’s official: Season 4 of ‘The Chosen’ will have a unique release
When does Season 4 of ‘The Chosen’ come out?
Season 4 of “The Chosen” starts to come out on Feb. 1.

Episodes 1 through 3 will be released on Feb. 1, 4 through 6 will follow starting on Feb. 15, and 7 and 8 will come out on Feb. 29.

The livestream is available to watch on the official YouTube account of “The Chosen.”

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