The TV series 'The Chosen' has achieved a significant milestone, with its fifth season becoming the highest-grossing installment. The creator, Dallas Jenkins, reflected on the depiction of the Last Supper, aiming to humanize the story and focus on the disciples' emotional experience. The series has garnered attention for its portrayal of biblical events, with Part 2 of the fifth season reaching $10 million and Part 3 grossing $5.8 million during its opening weekend. Actor George Xanthis, who plays John the Apostle, also shared his perspective on his character's development.
14 days ago
Box Office Success of "The Chosen: Last Supper"
Part 1 of "The Chosen: Last Supper," the fifth season's initial episodes, has become the series' highest-grossing installment, earning over $19 million 1. Part 2 reached $10 million, and Part 3 grossed $5.8 million during its opening weekend 1.
Humanizing the Last Supper: Creator's Vision
Dallas Jenkins, the creator, writer, and director, aimed to humanize the Last Supper, emphasizing the close relationships and emotional complexities of the disciples 1. He wanted to bring viewers into the room and experience the event as the disciples would have 1.
Character Development: John's Journey
George Xanthis, who plays John the Apostle, describes his character's evolution from "Son of Thunder" to the "beloved disciple" 1. John begins to understand Jesus' teachings, influenced by Mary Magdalene 1. Xanthis noted the challenge of portraying a character who doesn't fully grasp the future despite the actor's own knowledge 1.
Themes of Faith and Trust in Season 5
Jenkins hopes viewers will consider trusting and following even when they lack complete understanding 1. Paras Patel, who portrays Matthew, highlights the theme of light after darkness 1. The season explores the consequences of rejecting what one doesn't understand, contrasting Judas's rejection with the possibility of faith 1.
The Rise of Faith-Based Entertainment
"The Chosen" is part of a broader trend of successful faith-based productions 1. Angel Studios' "King of Kings" achieved a record debut for a biblical animated film, and "House of David" topped Prime Video's charts 1.
Sacred Scripture interpretation: fidelity to historical truth versus artistic license.
Fidelity to Truth and Artistic License: A Catholic Perspective
The interpretation of Sacred Scripture requires a delicate balance between fidelity to historical truth and the use of artistic license. The news article about "The Chosen" highlights this tension, as the creator aims to humanize biblical stories, potentially taking liberties with the historical narrative . Catholic teaching provides guidance on how to approach such adaptations, emphasizing the importance of both understanding the original context and using artistic expression to convey the deeper meaning of the text .
Principles of Scriptural Interpretation
The Catholic Church emphasizes that Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Magisterium . This interpretation involves several key principles:
- Attention to the Whole of Scripture: Scripture should be read with attention to the content and unity of the whole, recognizing the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments, with Christ as the center .
- Living Tradition of the Church: Interpretation must occur within the living Tradition of the Church, which carries the living memory of the Word of God .
- Analogy of Faith: The interpretation should consider the inner harmony among the truths of the faith .
- Historical and Literary Context: Understanding the historical and literary context in which the Scriptures were written is crucial . As Dei Verbum states, interpreters must investigate what the sacred writers intended to state and what God wanted to manifest through their words . God speaks to humanity in a human fashion in the Scriptures, so understanding the human element is vital .
The Role of Artistic License
While fidelity to the original text and its context is essential, the Church also recognizes the role of art in expressing and communicating the truths of Scripture . Art can help to make unseen realities perceptible and enrich the liturgy and faith . However, artistic expression should not contradict the fundamental truths of the faith or mislead the faithful .
Towards a Pastoral Approach to Culture emphasizes that relationships between faith and art must not be restricted to a search for creativity, and that advice, confrontation, and discernment are necessary, for faith is fidelity to the Truth .
Balancing Act: "The Chosen" and Scriptural Interpretation
In the context of "The Chosen," the creator's aim to humanize the Last Supper and explore the emotional complexities of the disciples can be seen as an attempt to make the story more relatable and accessible to contemporary audiences . However, it is crucial to ensure that these artistic choices do not distort the historical truth or misrepresent the theological significance of the event.
The character development, such as John's journey from "Son of Thunder" to the "beloved disciple," can be a valid artistic exploration if it remains consistent with the overall narrative and theological themes of the Gospels. The series' themes of faith and trust, even without complete understanding, align with the Christian call to discipleship .
Final Thoughts
Adapting Sacred Scripture for modern audiences involves navigating the complex relationship between historical accuracy and artistic license. Catholic teaching provides a framework for this process, emphasizing the importance of grounding interpretations in Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium . While artistic expression can enhance understanding and engagement, it must always serve the truth and avoid distorting the message of the Gospel .