‘The Chosen’s’ Big James Readies Himself for Season 5’s Impact

As The Chosen continues to grow into a global phenomenon bringing the Gospel to life through the eyes of those who followed Jesus, Season 5 sees the disciples moving closer to Jerusalem and the emotional events of Holy Week.

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For Abe Bueno-Jallad, who plays Big James, stepping into the sandals of a first-century disciple has been more than a role, it’s become an experience that continues to shape both his performance and personal life.

“[Playing Big James] has a resonance that reverberates through so many other aspects of my life when I hang up the tunic [and] wash off the makeup,” Abe told Hope 103.2.

“There are people who maybe on the surface or judging a book by its cover, I would have never imagined that they would approach me about their love for the show,” Abe said.

Given James has no book of his own, for Abe to interpret his character, Abe says he approaches the role by “insert[ing] myself into the life and times of the first century”, exploring what James would have been carrying daily – his politics, culture, and challenges.

“[Playing Big James] has a resonance that reverberates through so many other aspects of my life,” Abe told Hope 103.2.

“You compile that along with the idea that there was something that was going to be revealed to him through the message of Jesus that was going to [cause him to] drop everything that he knows and follow Jesus,” Abe said.

Season 5, Abe notes, marks a shift for his character.

“James has this moment of surrender that perhaps we haven’t quite seen,” Abe said.

“[In earlier seasons] I speak very directly and sharply to almost everybody.

“And then as the seasons have gone on, I’ve sort of softened because of the lessons that Big James has to take on and learn.”

From Season 1 to now, The Chosen’s relationship to fans is what’s made it unique, crowdfunding to get it off the ground and maintain its independence.

Even now as Amazon MGM Studios take on exclusive US streaming rights to premiere the show through Amazon Prime, The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins stressed “total creative control is non-negotiable”.

“[Amazon have] shown time and time again that they care deeply about this show and its fans,” he said.

Season 5, Abe notes, marks a shift for his character.

“They’re going to make us better and get the show to more people.

“We can do things like the Times Square takeover [and] we can also super‑charge the number of translations we can do.

“You’re going to see people all over the world get this show quicker because of Prime Video”.

As the cast continue to film and get closer to Jesus’ eventual crucifixion and resurrection, Abe’s aware of the collective weight they carry.

As the cast continue to film and get closer to Jesus’ eventual crucifixion and resurrection, Abe’s aware of the collective weight they carry.

“We are elevating one another,” Abe said.

“If Jonathan [Roumie]’s not on, then we’re kind of off too.

“[The material] is challenging all of us to really hunker down and come ready.”

Season 5 premieres on Amazon Prime from July 13.

Feature image: Supplied (The Chosen)