Jonathan & Jesus

In a documentary that has Jesus in the title, one would expect a string of theologians and historians to weigh in. But this documentary is about Jonathan Roumie's experience in playing Jesus. Consequently, the breadth of this series is actually wider than the title might lead one to believe. In navigating the intersection of faith and fame, Roumie actually interviews several people, mostly musicians (because Roumie's first love might actually be music), who have had to learn how to live out their faith while being famous. Incidentally, Alice Cooper gives the best description of extreme fame during his segment that we should all keep in mind when it comes to celebrity culture.

Along with familiar celebrities, Roumie also speaks with faith leaders like Francis Chan and a missionary working with refugees in France as well as other faith leaders.

Alongside following Roumie's daily life, a sometimes fraught journey to meet the Pope, and an international promotional tour for The Chosen, the crew interviews people whose faith in Jesus has lead them to combat racism, sexism, and human trafficking. In dealing with fame and faith they interview psychologists and health experts, some of whom openly admit to being non-believers, which was a surprise in this production pointed squarely at The Chosen core audience.

The biggest surprise at the end is the video of a story that Roumie tells pretty much any time anyone asks him about how he got the role of Jesus in The Chosen. It is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, but also illustrates why SAG-AFTRA went on strike partially due to how residuals were paid.

Fantastic docuseries about the blessings and pressures of playing Jesus. This series documents the journey of actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus, the most famous man to walk this planet in the series The Chosen.

From his humble surrender to God asking for guidance, his acceptance of the role in The Chosen, to his visit with Pope Francis, the series shows a side of fame that few actors have achieved. How do you maintain your identity when many people actually think you ARE Jesus Christ?

Roumie's care and concern for playing this important role weighs heavily on him, and the series does a great job of illustrating just what it's like for a man go from struggling actor to being mistaken for the actual Son of God. A devout Catholic, Roumie exhibits his devotion and passion for his faith while also learning and praying for people of all denominations.

Filled with interviews from historians, religious experts and even Alice Cooper, the series is both entertaining and moving as it follows Roumie from place to place all around the world as he promotes The Chosen.

You don't have to be a fan of The Chosen to thoroughly enjoy the journey of a "regular guy" learn and grow as he is recognized more and more, not as himself, but as Jesus Christ.

I have followed the rising career of Jonathan Roumie since 2019 when I first watched The Chosen. At the beginning of 2020 he began an online prayer group and I don't think I missed a single session, even though the practices of our Christian faith were different. That's one of the things Jonathan taught me. That opening my mind also opened my heart. This docudrama shows how hard he has worked and how the unexpected fame has affected him. I already knew he was walking a rocky path but I really had no idea how hard the struggles were. And in case you think the persona is all acting, you're wrong. I met him once in person and what you see in this documentary is exactly what you get. Jonathan Roumie is more than an accomplished actor - he's an extraordinary human being.

I am not one for tv but I do watch The Chosen so was interested in seeing what this was about. It is must see for anyone who is familiar with The Chosen or even anyone who is interested in Christianity. It shows how Christ reaches so many people but also doesn't shy away from the issues Christians can have. Moreover, it really shows the heaviness an actor takes when playing a very important (the most important) role of his life as well as how fame can drain a person. Well worth the watch - I binged it over two days and I don't binge anything. I strongly recommend anyone interested in Christ, The Chosen, and/or acting too watch.

I originally watched the docuseries Jonathon and Jesus simply because I am a huge fan of The Chosen and of Jonathan Roumie. However, I quickly got wrapped up in the stories and interviews within this show. It not only tells Jonathon's story, but also the stories of the people he encounters. I really loved seeing Jonathon explore the heavy weight and responsibility of what its like to portray Jesus. Because I am such a big supporter of The Chosen, and really liked watching what Jonathan goes through as he plays the role. I think it must be incredibly difficult to do, but as this documentary shows, although Jonathan can struggle with the immense role he also relies on the Lord to get him through it, he has people who help him, and he handles it with such grace. Jonathan is a fantastic actor and is my favorite person to have ever played Jesus. Jonathon and The Chosen have made the real Jesus so much more real to me and such a bigger part of my life. It has helped my relationship with Jesus and my desire to know Him much stronger. Jonathan- I know this is a difficult role for you to play- but thank you for pouring your heart and soul into it and for what you're doing to show Jesus to the world. I am so grateful. Thank you for allowing us to see behind the scenes of the challenges and rewards of what you're doing.