Podcast Summary: Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense

Episode: Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense.
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: David Marchese
Podcast: The Interview by The New York Times

Introduction

In this episode of The Interview, host David Marchese engages in a profound conversation with Jonathan Roumie, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the globally acclaimed series The Chosen. Since its inception in 2017, The Chosen has captivated over 250 million viewers worldwide, offering a fresh, nuanced depiction of Jesus that diverges from traditional portrayals. Roumie's role has transcended acting, positioning him as a public faith leader and a beacon of spiritual guidance for many.

Portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen

Evolving the Character: A Contemporary Jesus

Roumie discusses the unique approach The Chosen takes in portraying Jesus, emphasizing the series' focus on character development and interpersonal dynamics over episodic storytelling. Unlike previous portrayals—such as Jim Caviezel’s in The Passion of the Christ, Willem Dafoe’s in The Last Temptation of Christ, or Max von Sydow’s in older renditions—Roumie’s Jesus is depicted with relatable humanity.

“Nobody's ever explored that humanity. Nobody's ever wondered, well, what would it be like to crack a joke with Jesus? To have a glass of wine with Jesus, to see him dancing at a wedding? Because if you're human laughing and joking and frustration and the entire spectrum of emotions are part of the human process...” ([03:06])

Balancing Theology and Humanity

Roumie emphasizes that while theological accuracy is crucial, showcasing Jesus’s human side makes the character more relatable and authentic to the audience. This balance allows viewers to connect deeply with the narrative and the spiritual journey depicted in the series.

Personal Faith and Its Influence on Acting

Authenticity Through Belief

As a devout Catholic, Roumie believes his personal faith enriches his portrayal of Jesus, granting him a deeper understanding and authenticity that might be challenging for non-believers to replicate.

“I feel that it lends an authenticity to the role that allows me to understand more of why Jesus did the things he did and said the things he did than somebody who is completely unfamiliar.” ([07:04])

Possibility for Non-Believers to Portray Jesus

While Roumie acknowledges that a non-believer could authentically portray Jesus, he contends that it would require an intensive commitment to understanding the character's spiritual and historical significance.

“They would have to do your research and drop into the character and go Daniel Day Lewis on it and for three months go live as a rabbi in a kibbutz or something like that.” ([08:10])

The Impact of Portraying a Religious Icon

Public Reaction and Responsibilities

Roumie shares the intense public response he receives as the face of Jesus, explaining how fans often seek personal connections and spiritual guidance through him. This dynamic can be both uplifting and emotionally taxing.

“I recognize that none of this is about me. I don't matter in the grand scheme of things... I'm the closest thing to the real Jesus that they probably will ever see in person.” ([09:42])

Balancing Humility and Mission

Despite the overwhelming attention, Roumie maintains humility, viewing his role as part of a greater divine plan. He strives to separate his personal identity from the character, focusing instead on the mission to convey Jesus’s teachings and inspire faith.

“I don't allow it to become my reason for doing what I do. The mission is about Jesus... That's what this experience is in playing this role.” ([11:21])

Navigating Public Expectations and Personal Boundaries

Emotional Challenges

Roumie recounts a particularly moving encounter with a mother and her son, where his inability to perform miracles as Jesus left him feeling inadequate. This incident underscores the emotional weight of his role.

“I just burst into tears because I thought to myself, man, on some level, I must have let them down.” ([14:00])

Maintaining Professional Boundaries

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing his limitations and the distinction between acting and actual spiritual authority, ensuring that personal well-being is not overshadowed by public expectations.

“I can only be who I've been made to be.” ([16:10])

Cultural Observations and Spiritual Advocacy

Concerns Over Secularization and Occult Imagery

Roumie expresses apprehension about the increasing prevalence of occult symbols and demonic imagery in modern media, particularly within the music industry. He believes this trend desensitizes society to spiritually harmful content.

“They're so frequent and regular that it's so easy to become desensitized. You just... I think your mind just filters it.” ([22:38])

Advocacy for Spiritual Integrity

He advocates for a return to integrating faith into public discourse and cultural expressions, lamenting the marginalization of religious perspectives in contemporary society.

“It's a pro-life rally. It's for me. And I was on the fence about speaking there because I recognize that for so many people it is only political. For me, it is only spiritual.” ([18:38])

Balancing Activism with Artistic Integrity

Selective Advocacy and Charitable Efforts

While actively participating in faith-based initiatives like the March for Life, Roumie also engages in charitable activities, such as supporting children in Tanzania and Rwanda through his charity, Unbound.

“I found this charity called Unbound. And I saw the work that they were doing and they were changing not just the children's lives through sponsorship, but entire families.” ([20:35])

Managing Personal Well-being

Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of his public role, Roumie prioritizes self-care and seeks to balance his mission with personal health and relaxation.

“It's hard to find time these days. But, you know, sleep when you're in the ground.” ([21:49])

The Nature of Mission and Cultural Impact

Mission-Driven Artistry

Roumie asserts that the success of The Chosen lies in its dual focus on quality storytelling and spiritual messaging. By prioritizing a compelling narrative, the series effectively communicates its faith-based themes without alienating a broad audience.

“One of the reasons that we're successful... is that we recognize first and foremost this is a TV show. It's based on scriptures, based on the Gospels... If it's not a great TV show first, then anything else... none of that's going to matter.” ([28:55])

Challenging Hollywood's Stance on Religion

Highlighting the show's global reach and diverse audience, Roumie questions Hollywood's hesitancy towards religious content, suggesting that there is a substantial and receptive market for high-quality faith-based media.

“30% of that audience is non religious, I think that's pretty significant. And so I don't really know why Hollywood would be afraid of that.” ([31:50])

Faith as a Journey of Surrender and Testing

Surrendering to a Higher Power

Roumie delves into his personal journey of faith, describing a pivotal moment of surrendering control to God during a period of financial and emotional turmoil. This act of faith opened the door to his role in The Chosen.

“I decided that God was in control and that I would follow His direction wherever it may lead me.” ([37:24])

Ongoing Faith Challenges

He acknowledges that faith is a continuous journey filled with tests and struggles, drawing parallels to St. Paul’s experiences. Roumie emphasizes the importance of relying on divine grace amidst personal weaknesses.

“We all deal with something, right? We're all suffering and struggling with something... trying to do the best that I can with the gifts that I've been given.” ([40:09])

Conclusion

Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen has not only redefined a beloved character but has also elevated Roumie himself into a spiritual icon for millions. Balancing his faith, personal well-being, and public expectations, Roumie navigates the complexities of his role with humility and dedication. His insights shed light on the intersection of faith and media, advocating for authentic, mission-driven storytelling that resonates across diverse audiences. As The Chosen gears up for its fifth season, Roumie remains committed to his mission, continuously striving to inspire and uplift through his craft.

Notable Quotes:

• “Nobody's ever explored that humanity... part of us going through these trials ourselves.” ([03:06])
• “I feel that it lends an authenticity to the role...” ([07:04])
• “I recognize that none of this is about me...” ([09:42])
• “I can only be who I've been made to be.” ([16:10])
• “It's a TV show... If it's not a great TV show first, then anything else... none of that's going to matter.” ([28:55])
• “30% of that audience is non religious, I think that's pretty significant...” ([31:50])
• “I was on the fence about speaking there because I recognize that for so many people it is only political. For me, it is only spiritual.” ([18:38])
• “Whatever happens, man, whatever's meant for me will be mine.” ([30:55])

Final Thoughts

Jonathan Roumie's transformative role as Jesus in The Chosen exemplifies how faith and artistry can intertwine to create impactful narratives. His journey underscores the profound responsibility and emotional challenges that come with embodying such a revered figure. As he continues to inspire through both his acting and advocacy, Roumie remains a testament to the power of surrendering to a higher purpose.