Based on its plotline alone, it seems odd to say The Chosen has developed a cult following, but that’s exactly what’s happened. The show, now filming its 5th season in Weatherford, Texas, first started in 2017 as a crowd-funded streaming project. It later premiered on the TBN network and has since amassed a loyal following, who have essentially commanded the show to continue filming and airing worldwide. This show is unique in many ways, but one of the most notable is how audiences can view it – airing on The CW network, streaming on Netflix and screening in movie theaters.
Set against the backdrop of the Roman oppression in first-century Israel, The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus and those who knew him. The series has gained notoriety for sharing an authentic look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings. We sat down with fan favorite, Joey Vahedi who plays one of Jesus’s 12 apostles, Thomas, to talk about the fans who keep asking for more and the wild ride The Chosen has taken him on. While Thomas was known as a doubter, it’s clear fans don’t doubt Vahedi’s talent and the power of this show.
Splash: How has this show changed you personally and professionally?
Vahedi: It’s been a shift! We started the show as the little engine that could, and we didn’t know what would happen. We loved the story but didn’t realize the impact it would have on so many people. It’s given me a lovely family of people who I know will be in my life as I live out my days. It’s opened the door to more opportunities. And more people approach me on the street, especially in the south where we are filming.
Splash: With more eyes on you and more people approaching you, have there been any weird fan encounters?
Vahedi: There was one I thought would be weird but turned out to be lovely. I had ordered BBQ takeout at a restaurant where we are filming. A man kept staring at me, and finally came up to me and asked if I was in The Chosen. When I answered yes, he started pacing and said he couldn’t believe it. He shared how the show has changed his life, and he even had printed business cards that he hands out with the statement, “Watching The Chosen has changed my life, and it might change yours too.” He gave me one of his cards. There are few shows that have an actual (no pun intended) religious following. Star Trek is one I can think of. This show is about something that people have based their lives on and has helped them learn and develop new perspectives on a piece of history they feel they know so well already.
Splash: Has the option for audiences to view the show in different ways had an impact on its following?
Vahedi: I think so. While we have a solid fan base, it’s pretty cool someone can walk into a movie theater and say “oh, hey, what’s The Chosen?” It would be so fun to watch the shows I love with an audience in a movie theater and our fans get to do that. The more fishing lines we have out there, the more options people have to enjoy the show. I remember a moment in an Avengers movie, watching it in the theater and the whole cinema went crazy. To be a part of something similar, where we can have that impact on people, it gives me goosebumps. It’s amazing to see what great art can do for people.
Splash: How did you research the character you play and bring Thomas to life?
Vahedi: I have to give credit to our writers who have brought these characters to life and have made them human beings and not just stained-glass figures most people associate them with. Thomas has momentous moments, but they are few and far between. Our writers have made those infrequent moments powerful. It comes down to the text and I am lucky to work on this project and this character.
Splash: Has there been a storyline that has stood out to you so far?
Vahedi: There are some big plot points featuring Thomas in Season 4. It was much heavier and darker to film those storylines. It was a lot of fun to film it too, and a new territory for me. We also have a lot of background actors around us – upwards of 2,000 at a time – who bring the energy as well. When you walk out into those crowds, it’s like walking onto a stadium stage and having your rockstar moment.
Splash: Any other historical figure or time period you would like to be a part of in a future project.
Vahedi: I’ve always loved mob movies and it would be fun to be a part of that Italian mobster world. It had its moment in the 1990’s and 2000’s but I’d like to be a part of a reboot of that! Period pieces are the most fun and creative thing to be a part of. You put a costume on and it can give you an entirely new energy, and unlocks creative ways to perform. It’s like playing house as a kid, and I hope I can continue to make a living doing it as an adult.
Splash: You’re playing a man named Thomas. There are a lot of famous Tom’s out there – Hanks, Cruise, Selleck. Is there a famous Tom you hope to work with in the future?
Vahedi: The one coming to my mind is Tom Holland. Maybe because I recently watched Spiderman, but he seems like a cool guy and would be fun to be on set with. Selleck would also be amazing too. If they’re reading this, I’d love to work with them!
Splash: What upcoming projects are you working on besides The Chosen?
Vahedi: Season 5 of the show is the most immediate thing on the horizon, but hopefully come fall, now that the strikes are done and the industry is getting back to normal, there will be other projects to pursue.
Splash: You are filming season 5, but can audiences expect more of Thomas and The Chosen?
Vahedi: Our writers have said from the beginning that the goal is to do 7 seasons and we believe we will be back to see that through.
For more information on Joey Vahedi and his roles, visit JoeyVahedi.com or IMDB. To learn more about The Chosen and how you can watch, visit thechosen.tv.
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Great story topic the whole show of chosen is great interview we learned alot