The Chosen's Judas Iscariot: 5 Shocking Facts About His 'Heartbreaking' Betrayal & The Actor Who Plays Him

The character of Judas Iscariot in The Chosen has become one of the most talked-about and complex portrayals in modern biblical media. Moving far beyond the one-dimensional villain of traditional narratives, the series—which has become a global phenomenon—presents a deeply human and conflicted man whose eventual betrayal is set up as a profound tragedy rather than a simple act of evil. The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, and the actor, Luke Dimyan, have worked diligently to infuse Judas with a nuance that forces viewers to confront the difficult reality of his choices, making his story arc essential viewing as the series heads into its final, high-stakes seasons, especially with the 'heartbreaking' events teased for Season 5, as of December 14, 2025.

This fresh, empathetic approach to the man who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is a central pillar of The Chosen's success, challenging centuries of preconceived notions. The series explores Judas's financial acumen, his political idealism, and his growing internal conflict, painting a picture of a disciple whose intentions were perhaps initially pure but whose flawed human nature and misguided expectations led him down a catastrophic path. Understanding this complex character begins with knowing the man who brings him to life.

Luke Dimyan: The Actor Behind the Tragedy of Judas Iscariot

The man tasked with embodying one of history's most reviled figures is the Egyptian-American actor, Luke Dimyan. His thoughtful and empathetic performance has been widely praised for giving the character of Judas Iscariot an unprecedented level of depth and human relatability. Here is a brief biography of the actor who has redefined the role.

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• Full Name: Luke Dimyan
• Ethnicity/Background: Egyptian-American. Dimyan was born and raised in Torrance, California.
• Religious Upbringing: He grew up in a close-knit family within the Coptic Orthodox Church, a Christian denomination rooted in Egypt. This personal connection to a deep-rooted Christian tradition informs his approach to the biblical text and his character.
• Education and Training: Dimyan is an alumnus of the AMDA College and Conservatory, where he studied not only acting but also developed a passion for screenplay, film editing, poetry, and playwriting.
• Career Highlights (Pre-The Chosen): Before joining the cast of The Chosen, Dimyan was known for his roles in various projects, including the series Common Room, One by One, and Infernal Realities. He is also an accomplished writer.
• Role on The Chosen: He joined the series in Season 2 (guest) and became a series regular in Season 3, portraying Judas Iscariot.
• Approach to Judas: Dimyan has publicly stated that he approaches the role with "empathy and emotion," believing it is crucial to portray Judas with nuance rather than simply as a villain.

The Chosen's Unique Portrayal: Why This Judas Is Different

The Chosen, under the direction of Dallas Jenkins, is celebrated for its commitment to humanizing the disciples and biblical figures. The portrayal of Judas is perhaps the most ambitious example of this creative philosophy. The series deliberately introduces Judas late in the narrative, allowing the audience to see him as a hopeful, intelligent, and even well-intentioned follower before the seeds of his betrayal are sown.

1. The Treasurer and the Financial Burden

One of the earliest and most significant details the show establishes is Judas's role as the group's treasurer. This is a biblically grounded detail (John 12:6 mentions he was a thief and held the moneybag) but The Chosen uses it to explore his motivations.

• A Man of Means: Judas is often shown to be a savvy, educated man with a keen understanding of finance, a contrast to the fishermen and tax collectors among the Twelve.
• The Seed of Greed: The show subtly plants the idea that Judas is struggling with the financial stress of the ministry. While he manages the group’s funds, the temptation to "help himself" to the moneybag—a detail mentioned in the Gospel of John—is a slow burn, not an instant corruption. This financial pressure is presented as a vulnerability that the Sanhedrin or other forces can exploit.

2. Political Idealism and Misguided Expectations

Traditional interpretations often focus solely on greed, but The Chosen explores a more complex, political motivation. Judas, like many Jews of the time, likely expected Jesus to be a political Messiah—a revolutionary who would overthrow the Roman occupation and establish an earthly kingdom.

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As Jesus’s ministry progresses, his teachings become increasingly spiritual and less focused on immediate political revolution. This is where Judas's internal conflict deepens, as his political expectations clash with Jesus's true mission. His eventual act of betrayal is set up not just as a monetary transaction, but as a desperate, misguided attempt to force Jesus’s hand, to compel him to finally unleash his power and become the king Judas believes he should be. This narrative choice gives his actions a tragic, almost patriotic, dimension in his own mind.

The Road to the Thirty Pieces of Silver (Season 5 Tease)

The narrative tension surrounding Judas reached a fever pitch in Season 4 and is set to culminate in the highly anticipated Season 5. Showrunner Dallas Jenkins has consistently emphasized that the betrayal will be "heartbreaking," promising a profound emotional experience for viewers.

The Sanhedrin’s Plot and Judas’s Involvement

Season 4 heavily features the growing threat of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, and their plot to arrest and eliminate Jesus. This high-stakes political environment provides the backdrop for Judas’s decision. The show carefully crafts a scenario where Judas is drawn into the Sanhedrin's orbit, likely believing he can manage the situation or profit from it while still serving his own vision of Jesus's destiny.

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One scene, in particular, where Jesus and Judas interact, drew criticism from some traditionalists but was defended by Jenkins as a necessary exploration of the relationship, suggesting Jesus's awareness of the betrayal is woven into their personal interactions. This creative liberty serves to heighten the emotional stakes, showing Jesus's profound sorrow and love for the man who will betray him.

The 'Heartbreaking' Betrayal in Season 5

The core events of the final days—the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the kiss of betrayal—are the focus of the upcoming Season 5. Jenkins has repeatedly stated that the portrayal of the betrayal will focus on the human cost and tragedy of the event.

• Nuance Over Villainy: Luke Dimyan's performance is designed to elicit empathy, making the betrayal a tragic failure of a man who was given a chance at redemption, rather than a simple act of pure evil.
• The Thirty Pieces of Silver: The infamous payment of thirty pieces of silver is not just a bribe in The Chosen, but a symbol of Judas's ultimate miscalculation and his inability to reconcile his earthly ambitions with Jesus's divine purpose. The show is expected to portray the exchange with intense emotional weight, emphasizing Judas's internal turmoil immediately after the transaction.
• The Aftermath: The show will undoubtedly explore the biblical aftermath, including Judas's deep remorse, his attempt to return the money, and his tragic end. By humanizing him throughout the series, his suicide will be viewed not as the deserved fate of a monster, but as the devastating consequence of a broken man's despair.

Ultimately, The Chosen’s Judas Iscariot is a masterclass in adapting a foundational, yet controversial, biblical figure. By giving him a relatable backstory, complex motivations, and a nuanced performance by Luke Dimyan, the series ensures that his story is one of the most compelling and tragic in the entire show. As Season 5 approaches, millions of viewers worldwide are preparing to witness the 'heartbreaking' culmination of the story of the disciple who could not see the light beyond his own flawed vision.