✝️ Something Unexplainable Happened on The Chosen Set During the Crucifixion—and Even the Director Couldn’t Continue Filming

The cameras were off.

A heavy silence enveloped the set, punctuated only by the labored breaths of the actors, who struggled to remain upright.

Jonathan Rumi hung on the cross, embodying a moment that transcended mere performance.

What unfolded during the crucifixion scene in the sixth season of The Chosen was an experience that even the production team had not anticipated—a genuine pain and an inexplicable presence that permeated the atmosphere.

Director Dallas Jenkins found himself compelled to pause the filming, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.

But what exactly happened behind the scenes during this pivotal scene? Let’s delve into the details.

 

Since its premiere, The Chosen has established itself as more than just another biblical series.

It has achieved what few productions about Jesus have managed: to portray his humanity in a relatable and impactful way.

The series does not present Jesus as a distant prophet or an unattainable religious figure; instead, it depicts him as a real man with authentic emotions, experiencing genuine friendships, joy, fatigue, and profound suffering.

This human portrayal has resonated with millions of viewers worldwide, breaking cultural and religious barriers.

In an era marked by superficial relationships and emotional disconnection, showcasing Jesus as someone tangible and accessible offers a powerful invitation for reflection on the essence of faith.

The sixth season marks a significant turning point in the narrative, focusing on the last 24 hours of Jesus’s earthly life, culminating in the crucifixion.

Unlike previous portrayals, Jenkins chose not to soften the emotional weight of this historical moment.

Instead, he aimed to depict it with the utmost intensity and realism.

The production team relocated from their usual sets in Midlothian, Texas, to the sacred city of Matera, Italy—a place immortalized in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

Matera, with its ancient stones and timeless alleys, provided a backdrop that felt spiritually significant.

Filming in Matera presented both physical and logistical challenges.

Transporting the entire crew, equipment, and costumes, while adhering to tight schedules, required immense effort and emotional resilience.

However, the decision to film in Matera was not merely aesthetic; it was about authenticity and commitment to a narrative that sought to convey truth.

Jenkins emphasized the importance of the location, stating that nothing in the environment appeared modern, allowing the message of Jesus in that scene to be felt almost palpably by those present.

As the day wore on in Matera, the cold intensified, yet no one seemed to notice or care.

The focus was on something far greater than physical discomfort.

Jonathan Rumi remained on the cross, his exhausted body trembling slightly, his eyes closed in absolute concentration.

Although the scene had been filmed, something extraordinary happened.

The crew struggled to return to normalcy; the emotional weight of the moment lingered heavily in the air.

Elizabeth Tavish, who plays Mary Magdalene, was visibly shaken.

She rushed off the set, covering her face with her hands to hide the tears streaming down her cheeks.

Other actors embraced silently, seeking comfort in each other without the need for words.

In that moment, emotions communicated through glances, gestures, and silent tears.

Jenkins observed from a distance, moved by the unexpected depth of the experience.

He had anticipated that the sixth season would be a technical and spiritual challenge, but he never imagined that filming the crucifixion would reach such an intense, almost supernatural dimension.

 

Jonathan Rumi later expressed that portraying Jesus was a significant responsibility, but embodying the final moments of Christ’s life, especially the crucifixion, required an even heavier emotional burden.

He explained that he had to completely empty himself of ego and vanity to fully engage with something sacred.

This total commitment resonated deeply with the rest of the cast, creating an electrifying and introspective atmosphere.

George Harrison Shahi, who plays the apostle John, described the environment during the filming as one of collective connection, where everyone was immersed in something far greater than they had anticipated.

The emotional impact of the scene was heightened by the intense relationships the actors had built with their characters over previous seasons.

More than just a project, portraying those who lived alongside Jesus became an emotionally and spiritually demanding journey.

Each actor delved into the motivations, fears, dreams, and conflicts of their historical figures, feeling the weight of authentically representing the legacy of real individuals who left a profound mark on history.

The intensity of the moment led Jenkins to pause filming multiple times, allowing everyone to breathe and process what they were experiencing.

These breaks, unplanned in the shooting schedule, became essential given the emotional magnitude of the day.

The impact was not limited to the main cast; technicians, extras, and the entire production team were also deeply affected.

Many reported feeling a mix of emotional weight, reverence, and gratitude for being part of that moment.

Tears were shed in silence behind the scenes, captured in videos later shared by the production.

Filming in Matera, the same location where The Passion of the Christ was shot, added immense emotional and symbolic weight to the scene.

The long nights of filming, extending into the early morning hours, amplified feelings of exhaustion and emotional vulnerability, further enhancing the power of the moment.

This combination created a nearly unprecedented experience in recent entertainment history.

The cast was not just a group of actors; they became a family sharing a profoundly human and spiritual experience.

 

The experience during the filming of the crucifixion in The Chosen was not an isolated event, but rather a revelation of what humanity urgently needs to reconnect with: a genuine connection to the sacred and a reconciliation with the fundamental values of life.

In a world that is technologically hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected, the story of Jesus, told in this manner, gains remarkable strength.

Rumi’s portrayal of a relatable and human Jesus resonates with universal feelings of vulnerability.

Everyone, at some point, faces loneliness, pain, confusion, or existential fear.

Witnessing Jesus confront these same struggles with depth and humanity fosters an immediate emotional connection.

This identification can lead us back to the spiritual aspect of ourselves that often gets lost in the rush of daily life.

The recording of the crucifixion in The Chosen transcended cinematic representation; it became a shared experience of pure humanity.

The emotional honesty displayed by the cast, evidenced by genuine tears and spontaneous embraces, conveyed a rare and moving truth.

The series does not seek to impress with special effects but aims to touch hearts with emotional truth.

Each scene has the potential to become a mirror reflecting the viewer’s own experiences and struggles.

In today’s world, where superficiality prevails, recounting the story of Jesus is more crucial than ever.

The saturation of empty content and distractions leaves many feeling unfulfilled.

Yet, stories that resonate deeply still exist—stories that look us in the eye and assert, “This matters.

” The Chosen achieves this by prioritizing emotional connection over grandiose displays, creating a space where vulnerability is embraced, and where both actors and viewers can find healing.

Ultimately, the story of Jesus is not just a religious narrative; it is a message of hope and purpose.

Following Jesus is not about escaping pain but about having the courage to face it alongside him.

The invitation to let this message resonate within us is simple yet profoundly powerful.

If we allow this truth to enter our lives, we may find ourselves living in a way that is more meaningful, peaceful, and purposeful.

 

 

As we reflect on the intense experience during the filming of the crucifixion, we are reminded of the urgent need for authentic connections in our lives.

The world requires individuals willing to love deeply, to shine light in the chaos, and to live with authenticity.

Christ demonstrated this path through his example, life, and sacrifice.

Rediscovering this message, whether through a church, scripture, or a series like The Chosen, has the potential to transform our lives completely.

The invitation is laid before us: open your heart to that closeness with Christ.

It’s not just about religion; it’s about relationship.

It’s not merely history; it’s transformation.

And if we allow that truth to take root within us, we can create a future filled with what truly matters.