When they’re not walking on the water (with the help of the magic of a small movie, of course), Dallas Jenkins, cast and series creator and showrunner of The Chosen, finds all sorts of ways to spend time.
Now they are all promoting “The Chosen: Last Supper,” the three-part theatrical debut of the fifth season of the hugely popular series based on Jesus’ life. And soon after that release, the team behind the show is preparing to start filming for Season 6.
The star of the Bible-based series celebrated its season five debut in Dallas, Texas last week, with CBN News catching up with some of them who shared the entertainment of several of them.
Dallas Jenkins (Creator)
Certainly, Jenkins is pretty busy writing, directing, producing and promoting “chosen” but once he spends a few minutes he has a few hobbies that occupy his time.
“I love poker, but I haven’t played it in a while,” Jenkins said with a laugh. “I also love watching TV and movies with my wife and kids.”
Chicago fan Jenkins confesses that he loves fantasy sports and is peeking out on his phone – to catch up with his soccer and baseball teams – while filming “The Chosen.”
“Even on sets sometimes,” he said, “I have to check the lineup.
Paraspatel (Matthew)
Palls Patel, who portrays his apprentice Matthew on the show, is definitely a fan favorite. And his free time has diminished as the series progresses and grows in popularity through Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Nevertheless, he steals as much as he can. Recently he told CBN News that he enjoys cooking.
“I think it’s kind of therapeutic,” he said.
The 38-year-old star said as he gets older he’s more valuable to spend time with his family and more valuable to visiting his parents who live in Florida.
“I try to get to a lot with my family,” he added.
Vanessa Benavente (Mother Mary)
The mother of two young daughters and the mother of the cast member who portrayed the mother of Jesus’ own, Vanessa Benavente, is not very familiar with the idea of ”free time.”
Downtime, at least at this stage, said she was a stranger to her with a big laugh.
But one thing she enjoys is baking with young children, especially six and two.
Shahar Isaac (Simon Peter)
I used to be an artist, but always an artist. At least that seems to be the case with Shahar Isaac, the actor who portrays Simon Peter in “The Chosen.”
If he’s not in front of the camera, the Israeli-born star likes to step behind the lens.
“It helps me lose myself what I need to do,” he said. “So when they fix the lights and place the sets between scenes, I want to get lost a bit (and) in (pictured) (and) stay within the characters.”
“It’s fun to have these memories I have from these moments,” Isaac added.
Abe Bueno Jarado (Big James)
Abe Bueno-Jallad, a native Texas who plays Big James in “The Chosen,” is an avid outdoorsman.
When he wasn’t filming the series, he told CBN News that he likes to spend time outside and is willing to hike the trails he can find.
“I always like hiking outdoors, every day,” he said with a smile. “every day.”
George Zantis (John)
George Zantis, who portrayed John in “The Chosen” is a great talent. In fact, it appears that he can read the gospel of his character in the original Greek.
His co-stars like to be outside, but Xanthis jokes that he is the exact opposite, telling CBN News that he likes the comfort of indoors, playing cards, board games.
“My (favourite hobby) is totally against it,” he emphasized. “I play a board game about someone hiking every day.”
Part 1 of the fifth season of “The Chosen” centers around the final day leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, but made its debut in theaters nationwide this Friday. Parts 2 and 3 will be released nationwide on April 4th and 11th, respectively. Click here to learn more or to purchase tickets.
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