The Chosen Cast 2025: 7 Shocking New Details & The Emotional Toll Of Season 5

The Chosen has become a global phenomenon, transcending its crowd-funded origins to become one of the most-watched Christian historical dramas in the world. As of December 10, 2025, the buzz around the upcoming fifth season is at an all-time high, with the cast and creator, Dallas Jenkins, confirming a dramatic and emotionally devastating narrative arc leading directly to the events of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. The latest news reveals a historic Vatican visit, intense behind-the-scenes emotions from star Jonathan Roumie, and a significant cast change that fans need to know about.

This deep dive provides the most current, unique, and fresh information on the core cast, including detailed profiles and exclusive updates on the monumental task of filming the series' most tragic season to date. The actors are not just playing roles; they are living the emotional weight of the final days of Jesus’ ministry.

The Core Cast: Full Biography and Profiles for Season 5

The success of The Chosen rests on the shoulders of its gifted ensemble. Here is a look at the main actors returning for the highly anticipated Season 5, along with their key biographical details and their current connection to their iconic roles.

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Jonathan Roumie (Jesus Christ)

• Born: July 1, 1974 (New York City, New York)
• Descent: Egyptian and Irish heritage.
• Education: Graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
• Career Highlights: Before The Chosen, Roumie was a voice-over artist and actor with roles in shows like The Mindy Project and films like The Revolution of the Christ. He also previously played Jesus in a short film produced by Dallas Jenkins.
• Current Update: Roumie is a devout Catholic and often speaks about the spiritual weight of the role. Recent reports indicate the emotional intensity of filming Season 5 has taken a significant toll on him, with the actor admitting to feeling "depressed" due to the sadness and tragedy inherent in the final narrative arc of Jesus’ life. In June 2025, he was part of the cast that traveled to the Vatican for a special presentation of Season 5, where he was scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV.

Shahar Isaac (Simon Peter)

• Born: February 1993 (Israeli-American)
• Background: Isaac is an Israeli-American actor, photographer, and musician. He served in the Israeli military.
• Education: Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA.
• Career Highlights: Known for his stage work and roles in other projects like the drama film Price for Freedom (2017). His portrayal of Simon Peter, a rugged, flawed fisherman, has been praised for its humanity and relatability.
• Current Update: Isaac continues to embody the volatile yet deeply loyal Simon Peter. His character is central to the upcoming "Last Supper" storyline, preparing for the most chaotic and heartbreaking phase of the ministry.

Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene)

• Background: American actress and filmmaker based in Texas.
• Education: Holds a Master of Arts in Theater.
• Career Highlights: Tabish is an accomplished filmmaker who has directed several award-winning independent films. Her portrayal of Mary Magdalene, particularly her struggle with past trauma and her deep devotion, is a cornerstone of the series' emotional depth.
• Current Update: As one of the pivotal female figures, Elizabeth Tabish’s role in Season 5 will likely focus on the emotional fallout and profound grief surrounding the impending betrayal and death of Jesus. She was also a key member of the cast present at the Vatican presentation in June 2025.

Paras Patel (Matthew the Apostle)

• Born: November 19, 1986 (Florida, USA)
• Descent: American actor of Indian descent.
• Career Highlights: Patel has appeared in various projects across the entertainment industry. His performance as Matthew, the former tax collector who finds a new purpose, is noted for its sensitive and nuanced depiction of a character on the autism spectrum.
• Current Update: Patel has frequently spoken about the deep connection he feels with fans, particularly those who identify with Matthew's journey of acceptance and transformation. His character's meticulous nature will be tested as the events of Season 5 spiral into confusion and fear.

The Major Recast and Returning Apostles for Season 5

Season 5, which heavily features the final days of Jesus’ ministry, sees the return of nearly all core apostles, but one major change from Season 4 remains a key talking point among fans: the recasting of Philip. Understanding the full ensemble is crucial for appreciating the narrative complexity of the series.

The New Philip: Reza Diako Steps In

The character of Philip the Apostle was originally played by actor Yoshi Barrigas. However, a significant change occurred when Reza Diako took over the role in Season 4 and is confirmed to return for Season 5.

• The Change Explained: Yoshi Barrigas announced his departure from the series, citing a need to move on from the role for personal reasons and to pursue other creative endeavors.
• Reza Diako's Impact: Diako has embraced the role of Philip, one of the twelve apostles known for his straightforward nature and connection to Nathanael. His confirmation to continue filming Season 5, which includes the intense "Last Supper" scenes, ensures continuity for the dramatic arc.

Key Returning Apostles and Supporting Cast

The following actors are essential to the ensemble, particularly as the group dynamic faces its greatest test in Season 5:

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• Noah James as Andrew (Simon Peter's brother)
• George H. Xanthis as John (The Beloved Disciple)
• Luke Dimyan as Judas Iscariot (The Betrayer)
• Giavani Cairo as Thaddeus
• Jordan Walker Ross as James (the Less, or "Little James")
• Joey Vahedi as Thomas
• Amber Shana Williams as Tamar (the Ethiopian woman)
• Amy Bailey as Joanna (Herod's wife's steward)
• Shaan Sharma as Shmuel (the Pharisee)

The Emotional Chaos of The Chosen Season 5

Director and creator Dallas Jenkins has repeatedly warned fans that Season 5 will be the most difficult and emotionally draining season to watch. The narrative is set to cover the events leading up to the Passion Week, including the escalating conflict with the Roman and Jewish authorities, the growing tension among the disciples, and the looming shadow of the Last Supper.

The Weight on Jonathan Roumie

The emotional impact of the storyline is deeply felt by the cast, particularly Jonathan Roumie. Playing Jesus during this period of increasing danger and ultimate betrayal has been described as immense. Roumie has openly shared that the emotional and spiritual weight of the Season 5 scripts left him feeling a profound sadness, often bringing him to tears during interviews and on set.

This candid honesty from the lead actor highlights the show’s commitment to portraying the deep human suffering and emotional reality of Jesus, not just the divine aspect. The cast is acutely aware that they are telling the most heartbreaking part of the Gospel story.

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The Historic Vatican Presentation

In a unique and highly public confirmation of the show’s global impact, the cast and producers, including Jonathan Roumie and Elizabeth Tabish, traveled to the Vatican in June 2025. This event was held for an exclusive presentation of the Season 5 footage, titled "The Last Supper," and included an audience with Pope Leo XIV.

The Vatican visit is a significant milestone, validating The Chosen as a major cultural and religious event. It underscores the series’ topical authority and global reach, positioning the cast not just as actors, but as figures central to a modern, massive-scale religious storytelling movement.

The Road to The Last Supper

The title "The Last Supper" often associated with Season 5 filming confirms the intense focus on the final days. The apostles, including Shahar Isaac’s Simon Peter and Luke Dimyan’s Judas Iscariot, will be pushed to their limits. The feeling of "chaos" mentioned by the cast refers not only to the external pressure from the authorities but also to the internal conflict and confusion among the disciples as they struggle to understand the fate awaiting their Rabbi. This emotional honesty is what fans of the series have come to expect, ensuring Season 5 will be a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience.