Jonathan Roumie Says Christian Entertainment Should Be as Good or Better Than Hollywood
The actor who portrays Jesus in the hit television series The Chosen says it's essential that Christian entertainment equals and even surpasses the quality produced by Hollywood if it is to continue growing and impacting the culture. Actor Jonathan Roumie portrays Jesus in the series, which is currently filming its sixth season in Italy and has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of viewers. Season 6 will depict the crucifixion.
Roumie made the remarks while standing next to creator and director Dallas Jenkins at the 2025 K-Love Fan Awards.
Christian entertainment, Roumie said, is in the middle of a revolution. He also starred in the 2023 hit movie Jesus Revolution.
"He's a genius in his vision -- Dallas is," Roumie said. "And because God has given him this ability to write and direct and produce and to fish men and women into this collective of artisans and craftspeople that put this show together -- actors like myself get opportunities that God has ordained for me to be able to be a part of that vision, to be a part of that, what I believe we're witnessing is now a revolution in not only Christian entertainment but in revival in the world."
Roumie acknowledged the emotional toil in depicting Christ's crucifixion but added, "It's not so much a pressure -- it is a responsibility."
"It's a sacred responsibility. It's a holy responsibility. It's a serious responsibility for us, for him, and for the vision of this show."
The on-screen product, Roumie said, must meet the highest standards.
"At the end of the day, it still has to be about the work," he said. "The work cannot suffer. The quality cannot suffer. The level of artistry and commitment that all of us make on this show has to be as good or better than Hollywood. It has to be because that's how this revolution of cinema and media is actually happening, because of guys like Dallas and [House of David director] Jon Erwin, who have committed to a level of professionalism and craftsmanship born out of a Hollywood experience that equals or surpasses it with the message that nobody can deny."
Season 5 launches on Prime Video on June 15, while Season 6 is expected to debut in late 2026. House of David, also on Prime Video, is in production for its second season. House of David soared to No. 1 on the platform for its finale.
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 12, 2025.
