The Chosen Cast: 7 Core Actors And The Major Season 4 Recasting That Shocked Fans

The Chosen has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its authentic and emotional portrayal of Jesus and his disciples. As of December 10, 2025, the buzz surrounding the upcoming fifth season is at an all-time high, with the cast promising the most intense and emotional storyline yet as the series prepares to tackle the events of Holy Week. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at the core cast, their personal biographies, and the one major recasting that defined the fourth season. The success of the world's largest crowdfunded series rests on the shoulders of its talented ensemble, whose chemistry brings the historical figures to life in a relatable, human way. From the magnetic presence of Jonathan Roumie as Jesus to the complex portrayal of the Apostles, here is the essential guide to the actors who have been chosen for this monumental task.

The Core Cast: Full Biography and Character Profiles

The heart of *The Chosen* lies in the relationships between Jesus and his followers. Here is a detailed look at the actors who form the central ensemble, including their backgrounds and the depth they bring to their iconic roles.

Jonathan Roumie as Jesus Christ

• Role: Jesus of Nazareth
• Born: July 1, 1974, in New York City, USA
• Background: Roumie is a first-generation American, with his father being born in Egypt and having Syro-Lebanese descent. He was baptized Greek Orthodox but converted to Catholicism.
• Career Highlights: Before *The Chosen*, Roumie was a successful voice actor in video games and had roles in TV shows like *The Mindy Project*. He credits his faith and a moment of financial struggle with leading him to the role of Jesus.

Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter

• Role: Simon Peter (Kēphas), the fisherman who becomes the "rock."
• Born: February 1993, in Israel (Israeli-American)
• Background: Isaac is a multi-talented artist, also working as a photographer and musician. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
• Character Depth: Isaac's portrayal captures Simon's hot-headedness, loyalty, and deep love for his wife, Eden, making him one of the most relatable characters in the series.

Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene (Lilith)

• Role: Mary Magdalene (referred to as Lilith before her healing).
• Background: Tabish is a Texas-based actress and filmmaker with a Master of Arts in Theater.
• Career Highlights: She is also known for directing and starring in award-winning independent films, showcasing her dual talent behind and in front of the camera.
• Impact: Her performance is widely praised for its raw and moving depiction of a woman healed from trauma, providing a powerful opening arc for the show.

Paras Patel as Matthew

• Role: Matthew, the tax collector who leaves everything to follow Jesus.
• Background: Patel is an American actor of Indian descent.
• Career Highlights: Prior to *The Chosen*, he appeared in Freeform's *Teen Spirit* and Disney Channel's *K.C. Undercover*.
• On Season 5: Patel described the upcoming Season 5 as "Chaos," hinting at the dramatic and intense events to come as the series moves closer to Holy Week.

Noah James as Andrew

• Role: Andrew, Simon Peter's brother and the first disciple.
• Born: May 18, 1989, in Los Angeles, California.
• Background: James is a versatile actor who grew up in Tempe, Arizona. He has a Jewish background, which he says helped him connect deeply with the material.

George H. Xanthis as John

• Role: John, the "Beloved Disciple," brother of James (Big James).
• Background: Xanthis is an Australian actor raised in a Greek Orthodox family in Sydney, which gave him a natural familiarity with the biblical subject matter.
• Character Trait: His portrayal often highlights John's youthful enthusiasm and profound connection with Jesus.

Luke Dimyan as Judas Iscariot

• Role: Judas Iscariot, the controversial disciple who handles the group's money.
• Background: Dimyan is an Egyptian-American actor and writer, born and raised in Torrance, California.
• Challenge: Playing one of history's most vilified figures, Dimyan has spoken about the challenge of portraying Judas with humanity and understanding his perspective before the betrayal.

The Shocking Recasting of Philip in Season 4

One of the most talked-about changes in the series recently was the recasting of the Apostle Philip. This change occurred between the third and fourth seasons, and the official reason has been a point of curiosity for many fans.

From Yoshi Barrigas to Reza Diako

The role of Philip was originally played by actor Yoshi Barrigas for Seasons 2 and 3. Barrigas's gentle and earnest portrayal of the disciple was a fan favorite, making the announcement of his departure a surprise to the show's massive following.

For Season 4, the role was taken over by Reza Diako. Diako's debut as Philip was seen by millions when the season premiered in theaters and later on streaming platforms.

Why Did Yoshi Barrigas Leave The Chosen?

The change was due to Barrigas's personal decision to leave the show. While the exact, intimate details of his departure remain private, series creator Dallas Jenkins confirmed that Barrigas chose to move on from the production. The decision was amicable, with both the actor and the production team expressing mutual respect and well wishes. This kind of recasting is rare for *The Chosen*, making it a notable event in the show's history.

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Reza Diako has since embraced the challenge of continuing the character's journey, ensuring Philip remains a vital part of the apostolic group as the narrative progresses into the more difficult and high-stakes events of Jesus' ministry.

What to Expect from The Chosen Season 5 Cast

The latest updates, as of late 2024 and early 2025, confirm that the core cast is set to return for Season 5, which promises to be a pivotal and emotionally taxing run of episodes.

Tackling Holy Week: The Most Intense Season

Season 5 is slated to cover the events of Holy Week, the final week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion. This narrative arc will naturally be the most dramatic and challenging for the entire ensemble.

• Emotional Depth: Actors, including Jonathan Roumie, have teased that the season will show "colors and emotions of Jesus that nobody's seen before," indicating a deep dive into his human struggles and divine knowledge as the end approaches.
• "Chaos" on Set: Paras Patel (Matthew) used the word "Chaos" to describe the season's atmosphere, suggesting a high level of conflict, political tension, and emotional turmoil that the disciples must navigate.
• Returning Favorites: Fans can expect the return of other beloved characters, including Vanessa Benavente (Mother Mary), Abe Bueno-Jallad (Big James), and Giavani Cairo (Thaddeus), alongside the main apostles.

The cast's commitment to portraying these biblical figures with nuance and respect continues to be the driving force behind the show's cultural impact. Their dedication to the source material, combined with fresh, humanizing performances, ensures that *The Chosen* remains a unique and powerful piece of television. The upcoming season is highly anticipated, not just for the story it tells, but for the powerful performances the ensemble cast is known for delivering.

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