An actor from the Bible-based hit series The Chosen says the upcoming Season 3 Finale movie includes the "most cinematic episodes" in the history of the series, including scenes depicting the Feeding of the 5,000 that had an estimated 12,000 extras on set.
Jordan Walker Ross, who portrays Little James (James, son of Alphaeus), told Christian Headlines that he's screened select scenes from the movie and that they look "amazing." The film, The Chosen Season 3 Finale, will release in theaters Feb. 2-3. It includes the final two episodes of Season 3.
"It's easily [the] most cinematic episodes we've ever done – the biggest in scale and scope, but also the highest stakes in terms of all of the storylines," Ross told Christian Headlines. "... The character development, all of that, is just out of this world. We've really taken it up a notch with these two episodes. And there's some surprises as well. So, fans are really going to have their minds blown."
The 12,000 extras – who brought their own period costumes – represented all 50 states and more than 30 countries. The scene was filmed last year in Texas.
"It was in 100-plus degree weather. We were all sweating and just sunburnt and tired," Ross said. "But having all of those fans there was so energizing for the actors. It helped us get through it. And from what I have seen of all of those moments [in the film], it was well worth it because it looks incredible."
Ross joked that the actors and actresses "felt like the Beatles" with the attention they received from the extras, who applauded when Ross and his cast members walked on set.
"The cast is in their tent. And they bring all the extras out and set them down where they need them for the scene," Ross said. "And then they bring us out. And as they brought us out, one by one, hearing the crowd just roaring … it was a pretty wild experience.
"But it was really moving seeing how far the show has come," he added, referencing the series' popularity worldwide. The Chosen has been streamed more than 450 million times.
"[When] we started this, no one knew what the show was. … And now to see how much it's grown and how many people it's impacted," Ross said. "... We had people out there from every state and people out there from a couple dozen different countries that were there just to be a part of that scene. And that was a really powerful thing. As actors, you want to be a part of something that can have a positive impact on people all over the world long after we're gone. And we've had the privilege and honor of being a part of that."
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Related:
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'Chosen' Scene about Disabilities Goes Viral: 'It's Resonated with So Many,' Jordan Walker Ross Says
Dallas Jenkins: My Own Faith Has Grown While Making 'The Chosen': It's 'Impacted Me'
4 Things to Know about The Chosen: Season 3 Movie
Photo courtesy: ©The Chosen, used with permission.
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.