The Three Faces Of Big James: Why Kian Kavousi Left The Chosen (And What He’s Doing Now In 2025)

The question of why Kian Kavousi left The Chosen is one of the most frequently asked by fans of the global phenomenon series, especially given the show’s history of recasting major roles. As of December 2025, the official narrative remains centered on the actor’s pursuit of a broad range of new professional opportunities, a common occurrence in the demanding world of television production.

Kavousi, who portrayed the Apostle Big James (James, son of Zebedee) for a brief but memorable run during the first season, was part of a significant shift in the show's cast. While his time as the Disciple was short-lived, his departure was less about drama and more about the logistical and creative currents that often flow behind the scenes of a multi-season historical drama like The Chosen.

Kian Kavousi: Full Biography and Career Profile

To understand the professional decisions behind his departure, it is essential to first look at Kian Kavousi's background. He is a highly accomplished, multi-talented actor with an international perspective, which often leads to diverse and competing career paths.

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• Full Name: Kian Kavousi
• Place of Birth: Germany
• Ethnicity/Descent: Persian descent
• Current Base: Primarily based in New York City and Los Angeles, USA.
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
• Education: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpreting and Translating from the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
• Early Training: Initially trained in classical music, specifically piano and violin.
• Career Focus: Kavousi’s work spans theatre, film, and television, with a focus on dramatic and international roles.
• Notable Roles Before The Chosen: His early work included roles in independent films and theatre productions.
• Role in The Chosen: Big James (James, son of Zebedee), appearing in the second half of Season 1 (Episodes 5-8).
• Current Projects (2024–2025): He is actively involved in new film projects, including a short film he recently completed, and is pursuing international opportunities, confirming his continued focus on expanding his acting portfolio.

The Recasting History of Big James: A Production Reality

The role of Big James has seen more turnover than almost any other Apostle in The Chosen, and Kian Kavousi's exit must be viewed within this context. This recasting is a key piece of the puzzle that often surprises viewers who are used to a single actor defining a character for an entire series.

The role of Big James was played by three different actors in rapid succession during the early stages of the show, which was still finding its footing and securing long-term commitments from its cast.

• Actor 1: Shayan Sobhian (Season 1, Episodes 1–4). Sobhian was the initial actor to portray the Apostle.
• Actor 2: Kian Kavousi (Season 1, Episodes 5–8). Kavousi took over the role for the remainder of the first season.
• Actor 3: Abe Martell (also known as Abe Bueno-Jallad) (Season 2–Present). Martell stepped into the role for Season 2 and has continued as the definitive Big James for subsequent seasons.

This frequent change suggests that the initial recasting was more likely due to production logistics, scheduling conflicts, and the long-term commitment required for a multi-season show, rather than a specific issue with any one actor’s performance. The production team, led by director Dallas Jenkins, needed a reliable, long-term commitment for the Disciple roles as the show gained popularity and extended its run.

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The Core Reason: Professional Ambition and New Opportunities

While Kian Kavousi himself has not issued a detailed, public statement specifically about his departure from the role of Big James, the most consistent and professionally accepted explanation aligns with the pursuit of other career paths. This is often summarized as "professional and personal reasons," a phrase frequently used when actors depart a series due to scheduling or the desire to take on different projects.

Kavousi is a New York and Los Angeles-based actor with a diverse background, including his German and Persian heritage, which opens doors to numerous international and independent projects. His career trajectory, particularly in 2024 and 2025, shows a clear and active push toward new roles in film and television, indicating that he is focused on a wide-ranging artistic career rather than being tied down to a single, long-running series.

The "Professional Reasons" Factor

For an actor like Kavousi, a commitment to a multi-season show like The Chosen means locking up a significant portion of his time for years. If a more appealing or lucrative project—or one that aligns better with his long-term artistic goals—arises, a change in casting becomes inevitable. The opportunity to work on new short films and other independent projects, as confirmed by recent interviews, highlights his focus on variety and creative control.

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The Role of Production Logistics

The transition from a small, crowdfunded series in Season 1 to a massive global production in later seasons often requires actors to sign new contracts with much stricter terms and longer shooting schedules. It is entirely possible that Kian Kavousi was unable or unwilling to commit to the extensive, multi-year production schedule required for the future seasons of The Chosen, leading to the amicable recasting of Big James with Abe Martell.

Where Is Kian Kavousi Now in 2025?

Far from stepping away from the industry, Kian Kavousi is actively building on his international profile. His brief, high-visibility role in The Chosen served as a springboard for further opportunities. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, he continues to be a rising star on the international stage.

His recent work has been highlighted in publications focusing on independent film, confirming that he is embracing new creative challenges. Fans who appreciated his portrayal of the Apostle Big James can expect to see him in a variety of upcoming projects that showcase his dynamic acting skills across different genres. This continued, active career trajectory provides the most complete and up-to-date answer for why he left the role: he moved on to pursue the next chapter in his professional life.

Key Takeaways for Fans

The departure of Kian Kavousi from The Chosen is a classic example of logistical challenges and an actor’s professional ambition intersecting with the demands of a long-running series. It was not a sign of conflict or dissatisfaction, but rather a necessary shift that allowed the actor to explore new avenues while the show secured a long-term commitment for the character of Big James.

The legacy of Kavousi's performance in Season 1 remains an important part of the show's history, highlighting the early days when the production was still establishing its core cast of Disciples. The character of Big James, now played by Abe Martell, continues the journey, but the brief, powerful presence of Kian Kavousi is a memorable detail for dedicated fans.