There may be a massive surplus of films and TV shows that tell the story of Jesus, but The Chosen has made history by being the first multi-season series about the prominent Christian figure. The show boasts an impressive cast of characters played by a number of talented actors, many of whom have had previous experience with other biblical-themed projects. The Chosen tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth, his life and works, and the people who knew him. While closely following biblical texts, the series isn’t afraid to take dramatic liberties without smearing the importance of its message.

The show premiered in 2017 and was instantly beloved by faith-based audiences, with The Chosen episodes even screening in movie theaters and raking in massive box office grosses. season 5 is confirmed, and will center on Holy Week, the final days before Jesus' crucifixion. It's unknown how much of the Bible the show will cover, or if figures like Paul the Apostle will show up. And with the new installment not expected to arrive until 2025, fans of The Chosen can catch up with the wonderful cast and check out their projects.

Jonathan Roumie As Jesus

Date Of Birth: July 1, 1974

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Actor: Jonathan Roumie got his start as a voice actor in MTV’s Celebrity Deathmatch playing several roles, including actors Mike Myers, Russell Crowe, David Arquette, John Malkovich, and TV news reporter Sam Donaldson. His voice can also be heard in many AAA video games, such as Mafia II and III, Fallout 4, God of War (2018), Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Ghost of Tsushima, and Saints Row. In another biblically related role, Roumie played Jesus Revolution.

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Character: Roumie plays Jesus in The Chosen, the wandering prophet who seeks to aid his fellow man and spread God's message. He gathers followers throughout his travels who become his disciples, all the while performing miracles and drawing the ire of the Pharisees and the Romans.

Shahar Isaac As Simon Peter

Date Of Birth: 1993

Actor: Shahar Isaac got his start on an episode of the CBS series Person of Interest, playing Tariq al Juhani. On stage, Isaac played Bar Giora in the National Theatre Live production of Salomé, which recounts the biblical tale of the woman who performed the Dance of the Seven Veils for King Herod before asking for the head of John the Baptist. Isaac also had a three-episode arc as Zev Beker in the hit Paramount+ series The Good Fight.

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Character: In The Chosen, Simon is a fisherman who is struggling to pay his taxes when he meets Jesus. Intrigued by the miracles Jesus performs and the message of kindness he spreads, Simon soon becomes one of the first of his disciples. Jesus later renames him Peter, which means “rock.”

Elizabeth Tabish As Mary Magdalene

Date Of Birth: May 26, 1986

Actor: Before taking on the pivotal role of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, Elizabeth Tabish has been acting since 2010. Many of her roles are credited under the name Liz Tabish, and she performed in several independent short films and features. She has appeared in many faith-based movies, including 2016's Genesis as Potiphar's Wife and 2023's The Shift as Molly Garner. Most recently, she appeared as Mrs. Grady in 2024's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, adapted from Barbara Robinson's classic 1972 holiday novel of the same name.

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Character: When The Chosen first introduces Mary Magdalene, she is the victim of demonic possession. Just as it seems there is no hope for her affliction, Jesus hears of Mary’s plight and goes to heal her. Moved by his kindness, Mary becomes a follower of Jesus and begins to study religious scripture under his tutelage.

Paras Patel As Matthew

Date Of Birth: July 8, 1986

Actor: Paras Patel received his breakthrough role as Matthew in The Chosen, but he has plenty of TV experience that precedes the hit biblical series. Patel has had guest roles in many popular shows, including NCIS: Los Angeles, Fresh Off the Boat, the Showtime cop drama Ray Donovan, and five episodes of the musical series Nashville. Patel also appeared with fellow co-stars Jonathan Roumie in Jesus Revolution and Elizabeth Tabish in The Shift.

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Character: Once a tax collector who worked for a Roman praetor, Matthew later chose to become one of Jesus’ disciples. From afar, Matthew witnesses miracles performed by Jesus, including the casting of an overabundance of fish and the healing of a paralyzed man. When Jesus calls Matthew to him, Matthew leaves his old life behind and follows without question.

Noah James As Andrew

Date Of Birth: May 18, 1989

Actor: Much of actor Noah James’ acting career began in short films and independent projects, but he also has been attached to several well-known TV shows. Some of James’ notable guest appearances are in series like iCarly, Shameless, and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. James has also been active in Los Angeles theater, and he won two AudioVerse awards for his portrayal of Ben Arnold in the podcast drama King Falls AM.

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Character: Noah James plays Andrew, the brother of Simon and a fisherman. When Jesus performs a miracle that brings in an enormous catch to save Andrew and his brother from debt, Andrew becomes one of his loyal followers.

George H. Xanthis As John

Date Of Birth: September 20, 1989

Actor: Aussie native George H. Xanthis got his start on the popular Australian web series Syd2030 playing Leo Cassevetes. He also appeared in the Australian mini-series The Principal, and played the notorious mobster Frank Capone in AMC’s The Making of the Mob. Xanthis had a small role in the panned 2021 horror movie The Accursed, and he played American presidential advisor George Stephanopoulos in the An American Crime Story: Impeachment.

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Character: John is the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of Big James. He was a fellow fisherman alongside brothers Simon Peter and Andrew until they decided to Jesus in his travels, and John went along with them to become a disciple. John often records the workings and words of Jesus as he spreads the message of love across the world.

Vanessa Benavente As Mother Mary

Date Of Birth: December 8, 1979

Actor: Vanessa Benavente’s first acting role was in the short film Mercy in 2014. She is credited with several other short films, including titles such as Clean Water, Getting to Know You, Icebox, and To Play With Fire. In 2017, she had a guest role in an episode of Adventures in Online Dating, and she appeared in a few indie features that made the film festival circuit, including Your Iron Lady, Melancolia, and At the Gates.

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Character: Benavente plays a pivotal role in The Chosen as Jesus’ mother, Mary. The woman who immaculately gave birth to the son of God, Mary follows and s Jesus as he ministers his message of salvation across the land.

Shaan Sharma As Shmuel

Date Of Birth: July 30

Actor: Before his work as an actor, Shaan Sharma had a successful career as a casting director. Some of his TV credits include guest spots on Criminal Minds, Bones, Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, and Scandal. Educating young acting students, Shaan has been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, and a professor for PACE University's School of Drama.

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Character: Shmuel is a Pharisee of Capernaum, and works alongside his partners Yussif and Jairus. As one of the religious leaders, Shmuel fears that Jesus and his ministry will upset the balance of power that the Pharisees have over the common people. He works to undermine Jesus and the disciples at every turn, though without success.

Giavani Cairo As Thaddeus

Date Of Birth: June 26, 1991

Actor: Like many of his co-stars in The Chosen, Giavani Cairo began his career acting in short films. His first feature film role was Dan in The Color of Time opposite James Franco and Jessica Chastain. Cairo also had a guest role in an episode of the DC show Doom Patrol, and he also appeared in one episode each of 9-1-1: Lone Star and CSI: Vegas.

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Character: Before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples, Thaddeus was a stone cutter. Thaddeus first appears in season 1, episode 2, “Shabbat,” when he and Little James Jesus at the house of Mary Magdalene for the holy feast.

Jordan Walker Ross As Little James

Date Of Birth: February 8, 1990

Actor: With his love for acting beginning at a young age, Jordan Walker Ross' first gig was an uncredited appearance Walker: Texas Ranger. Ross had several other uncredited roles as background characters in TV shows like Reno 911! and True Blood, as well as the movies Moneyball and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He went on to do several short films, followed by playing the role of Mikel in the cast of the Paramount+ Western miniseries 1883.

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Character: Little James is one of Jesus’ disciples in The Chosen. He has a disability and needs a staff to help him walk, which incites him to question Jesus in episode 2 of season 3 as to why he has not been healed. Jesus assures him that he does not need to walk in order to follow him, and that his suffering is a lesson to others. Ross himself has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, which was written into the show.

Could Paul The Apostle Appear In The Chosen Before The End?

Paul Never Knew Jesus In His Lifetime, So It's Unlikely

With so much of the focus in The Chosen being centered on Jesus’ followers, many fans of the series are wondering if Paul the Apostle will make an appearance before the show’s end. Though he was not a disciple and never met Jesus, Paul’s story is of huge importance both historically and religiously. According to the bible, Paul was once a Pharisee who persecuted Christians until he received a vision from God that proclaimed Jesus as God’s son. He would go on to help spread the word of Jesus along with the original 12 disciples.

Despite Paul not being present at the major events of Jesus’ life, some viewers still hope he may make a cameo of some sort. In one Reddit post, Yumemiyou points out, “The events about [Paul] happen after Jesus' Ascension, of course. But do you think it would be cool to see a cameo of him?” The Chosen has taken creative liberties before, so it is possible for them to make another for Paul.