‘The Chosen’ Creator Sees Signs of a Spiritual Awakening, Says ‘God Is Doing Something’
The creator of The Chosen says he sees signs that the Spirit of God is on the move in today's world -- and believes it might signal a spiritual awakening. Dallas Jenkins made the comments ahead of the theatrical release of Season 5 in theaters and at a time when The Chosen is attracting unprecedented attention for a faith-based series, with cast appearing on The View, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Good Morning America. Worldwide, it has more than 200 million viewers.
Jenkins was asked to respond to signs of a potential spiritual awakening -- such as college campuses filling arenas for Unite Us worship events and prominent figures in sports and entertainment openly proclaiming their faith in Christ. Meanwhile, Bible sales across the country are also on the rise. Author Justin Brierley dedicated a book and podcast to the subject of a worldwide awakening: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God.
"God is doing something in the hearts and minds of people," Jenkins told Crosswalk Headlines. "And I think The Chosen has had something to do with that, yes, but I think we've also been the recipient and the benefactor of something that God is stirring in people's hearts."
One evidence of a spiritual awakening, Jenkins said, is "when Jesus and the Bible are being talked about in popular culture without apology -- without some sort of disclaimer."
"It's just become a recognized part of the culture, and I think that's the first step," Jenkins said.
While Jenkins said he cannot "speak to what's happening in the hearts" of individual people, he believes there is a growing hunger for Truth.
"It's certainly clear that when people feel like they have the permission, even if they're not believers, to talk about and to listen to Jesus stories or gospel messages, and they're treated as though they're just as a legitimate part of the pop culture conversation as any other, anything else, that's an extraordinary thing to witness," Jenkins said. "And so I don't know necessarily why or how it's happening. I just know God's doing something, and it's really cool to watch."
Actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in The Chosen, said he sees signs of God at work in today's world.
"If it's not a full awakening, I think it's definitely a spiritual tide change," Roumie told Crosswalk Headlines. "Spiritual movements start with cultural movements. And I think this artistic tendency towards quality storytelling that revolves around subjects of faith, and figures in faith -- I think [we] are on the precipice of that, at the forefront of that movement."
Roumie referenced the Prime Video Bible-based series House of David -- which he described as "fantastic" -- and the 2023 movie Jesus Revolution as examples of popular artwork that are shaping the faith conversation.
"People are feeling more empowered to express their spirituality, express their faith, and to be bold, to take bold steps," Roumie said. "Because if it's in the culture, then it's acceptable."
Season 5 will debut in theaters as part of a three-part film event, The Chosen: Last Supper. The three parts will roll out March 28, April 4 and April 11.
Photo Credit: ©official Chosen media
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 March 25, 2025.
