‘The Chosen’ Star Abe Bueno-Jallad Says Playing Big James Led Him Deeper into the Bible
Actor Abe Bueno-Jallad says he's explored the Bible more deeply over the past five years than ever before -- and for good reason. Bueno-Jallad portrays James, son of Zebedee, a disciple of Jesus in the hit television series The Chosen, who is part of the "inner circle" alongside Peter and John. Bueno-Jallad joined the cast in Season 2 and immediately immersed himself in Scripture to better understand the character, whom the Gospels nickname a "Son of Thunder."
He's known as "Big James" on the show.
"These last five years represent the most investigation that I've ever done into the Bible," Bueno-Jallad told Crosswalk Headlines.
The Chosen actor says he has studied not only the four Gospels but also the Old Testament, "because that's the only reference that James would have had."
"James wouldn't know the New Testament."
For a "quick refresh" on his character, Bueno-Jallad reads Luke. But for specific moments, he reads other gospels, too.
"I would make some Sunday School people happy," he said, laughing.
Bueno-Jallad joined the series in Season 2 and has since become one of its most familiar faces. Season 5 premiered in theaters before transitioning to Prime Video this month, while Season 6, which will depict the crucifixion, is currently in production. The series is planned for seven seasons.
The Chosen has grown in popularity, he said, because it "transcends entertainment, but then is also grounded by the fact that it's entertainment."
"I don't think that anybody is confused about what's in their Bible versus what's in the show," he told Crosswalk Headlines. "And if they are, then that's great … that can be solved by the Book.
"So I feel like we've sort of stumbled into this realm, accidentally or coincidentally or God-cidentally, however you want to look at it, where people are saying 'that's a show about my faith.' I would say it's just a show that happens to be about your faith.
"But the story is transcendent," he added. "It has turned into this phenomenon that almost doesn't make sense for a television show that's created in America to be highly desired in foreign countries, and the likes of which we have not seen. And the sector has grown because of what we've done. I mean, you can look at [House of David], you can look at Netflix's Mary."
Fans of the series cannot imagine Bueno-Jallad as anyone other than Big James -- yet, initially, he auditioned for other roles. In fact, he tried out for three other characters before landing his current part.
"I was like, always a bridesmaid, never a bride, sort of thing," he said, smiling.
Finally, the casting team contacted Bueno-Jallad about the role.
"They were like, 'Hey, we really don't even need you to read for Big James. We're familiar with your work. We think you can do it. We believe in you. Let's go.' And that was the beginning of that journey."
Bueno-Jallad, though, won't disclose which roles he auditioned for "out of respect for those brilliant actors."
Meanwhile, Bueno-Jallad continues to be moved by the show's impact. Once, in an airport, a child approached him, overcome with emotion, describing how much The Chosen "had meant to him and how it had changed his life."
"If you do a show for 1,000 people, you're lucky if one of them says you changed their life -- you're lucky if 100 of them say they sat and watched the whole thing, you know. So I consider that a blessing."
Photo Credit: ©5&2 Studios
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.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 16, 2025.
