'The Interview': Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense.
Dec 21, 2024
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Jonathan Roumie, acclaimed for his role as Jesus in "The Chosen," shares insights from his journey in Hollywood. He discusses the challenges of typecasting and the profound connection fans have with his portrayal of Jesus. Roumie reflects on the blend of faith and storytelling and how his Catholic beliefs shape his performances. He also addresses modern depictions of Jesus, emphasizing humanity and relatability. Roumie's experiences navigating the balance between belief and entertainment make for a captivating and thought-provoking conversation.
Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus in 'The Chosen' emphasizes a relatable, humanized character that encourages personal connections with audiences.
His Catholic faith enhances his authenticity in portraying Jesus, deepening viewers' emotional connections while navigating the challenges of public expectations.
Deep dives
Jonathan Rumi's Unique Portrayal of Jesus
Jonathan Rumi’s portrayal of Jesus in the series uniquely emphasizes the human aspects of the character, diverging from traditional depictions that often lean towards solemnity. He engages in discussions with creator Dallas Jenkins on how to present a relatable Jesus that allows audience members to connect on a personal level. By depicting Jesus experiencing a range of emotions—from joy to frustration—Rumi aims to show a more humorous and contemporary side of the figure, suggesting that such humanity is crucial for audiences to relate to Jesus in their own struggles. Rumi believes this nuanced portrayal opens up a dialogue where viewers can see Jesus as someone who understands and shares in their human experiences.
Faith's Role in Rumi's Performance
Rumi describes how his Catholic faith significantly enhances his authenticity in playing Jesus, allowing him to grasp the motivations behind Christ's actions and teachings. He explains that his understanding of faith lends him credibility in this role, making it easier to convey the complexities of Jesus’ character to viewers. Despite the challenges he faces in his own faith journey, he recognizes that this struggle resonates with others, further deepening the connection audiences feel towards the character. Rumi suggests that while a non-believer could portray Jesus credibly, an intrinsic understanding of the faith adds a layer of depth that might be difficult to capture without that background.
Navigating Celebrity and Spirituality
The overwhelming attention Rumi receives as a public figure representing Jesus presents a complex emotional landscape that he navigates with humility. He acknowledges that fans often project their reactions to Jesus onto him, which can create a powerful but psychologically taxing dynamic. Rumi is committed to focusing on his mission and the reasons for his role rather than allowing personal fame to define him. He expresses comfort in the belief that his position is part of a greater plan and emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective on his role as an actor rather than a divine figure.
Handling Public Expectations and the Industry's Response to Faith
As Rumi speaks at various faith-based events, he feels a weight of expectation to represent a spiritual authority, despite his reservations about being just an actor. He shares experiences regarding the draining nature of such demands, especially during extensive interactions with fans seeking personal connection. Rumi also discusses the reluctance of Hollywood to embrace religious narratives, noting that successful portrayals of faith, like The Chosen, demonstrate a significant audience interest beyond just the religious community. By prioritizing quality storytelling, he argues, the industry could overcome its fear of religious content, inviting a broader, more diverse audience to engage with these themes.
The star of “The Chosen” discusses his early struggles in Hollywood, fans who conflate him with his character and how his own faith informs his work.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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