The table is set just in time for the Holy Week.
After a year of waiting, The Chosen Season 5 is premiering in select cinemas at SM, Robinsons, and Ayala from April 10 to 14, 2025.
A historical drama series about the life of Jesus Christ seen through the lens of his disciples, The Chosen is headlined by American actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus Christ.
Read: Jonathan Roumie did odd jobs prior to Jesus role in The Chosen
He is joined by other lead stars Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, Paras Patel as Matthew, and Noah James as Andrew.
Created by American film director and writer Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen Season 5 begins with a portrayal of the Last Supper where Jesus Christ talks to the 12 disciples about his looming passion, death, and resurrection.
He directly tells them that one of the 12 disciples will betray him and hand him over to his enemies, and yet the disciples still do not comprehend the magnitude and meaning of what is about to unfold.
This sets the tone of episodes one and two which were shown in the advanced screening of The Chosen held at Central Square in BGC, Taguig City on April 3, 2025.
Some celebrities who attended The Chosen Season 5 premiere, including Doug Kramer and wife Cheska, Tony Labrusca, Phoemela Barranda, Kirk Bondad, and Kimpoy Feliciano.
Here are some of the touching scenes to watch for:
1. The tear-jerking opening scene
In the first few minutes of the screening, the series succeeds in captivating moviegoers with Jonathan’s powerful monologue at the Last Supper.
Jonathan is not shown at first, but instead, the camera pans to each disciple avidly listening to Jesus’ words.
When Jonathan’s face finally appears on the big screen, he delivers one of Jesus' popular quotes from the Gospel of John: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
These comforting words to the disciples move moviegoers to tears as Jonathan utters them with sure confidence in his voice.
That The Chosen stays true to scriptures from the Bible, especially for such a pivotal scene, is something to be appreciated while watching the series.
Read: Jennica Garcia recounts how anger made her fall away from God
2. REIMAGINED REACTIONS OF JESUS' DISCIPLES
Another highlight for The Chosen Season 5 premiere is how it depicts that even Jesus’ own disciples did not fully understand that his claim of kingship would not end with him winning a war against the conquerors of Israel.
Using a non-linear exposition of events, the series starts with The Last Supper, which falls on a Thursday night or the eve before Jesus gets arrested, then goes back four days earlier on Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus' triumphant entry to Jerusalem.
Many have come to believe in Jesus, following The Chosen Season 4's episode 7 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus' followers give him a kingly welcome in Jerusalem, with people waving palm branches and laying out their cloaks on the road where Jesus, sitted on a donkey, passes by.
This imagery fulfills a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, saying that the "king" will come "riding on a donkey's colt."
It is something that Jesus' fellow Israelites are familiar with as they have grown up knowing the scriptures by heart, which explains why most of the disciples are in a celebratory mood.
They are anticipating Jesus’ awaited victory as the Messiah or appointed savior of Israelites.
But in The Chosen's reimagined depiction of this event, the characters of Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene are taking in Jesus' words and actions more seriously.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, notices a moment amidst his happy arrival in Jerusalem where he suddenly stops in his tracks and looks troubled.
He stares at an imaginary blood in a wall, looking as if he is coming to grips with the ugly reality of the cruelty and death that he will soon suffer, not for his own sake but for the people.
Jesus, to Christian believers, is full god and full man.
Dying through crucifixion, as interpreted by Christian teachings, is not a sign of weakness but his own choice as a a great act of love for the people whose sins he wants to be erased by offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice.
In another scene, Mary Magdalene appears to be having a hard time settling down despite the luxurious home where Jesus and the disciples check in upon their arrival in town.
As it is, Jesus openly declaring his identity as the son of God and his miraculous raising of the dead has brought him to the spotlight, making the self-righteous religious leaders angrier and jealous of him.
Even John starts to watch Jesus more closely as the latter appears to be occupied with an unknown task at nighttime when all the disciples are already asleep.
These reimagined reactions of Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene seem to hint at why they're the only ones from Jesus’ inner circle who will stand at the foot of the cross when Jesus gets crucified much later in the series.
It gives nuance to who among Jesus' diciples have been listening with understanding.
Read: How armless pilot Jessica Cox finds purpose in "being different"
3. Jesus gatecrashes a wedding party
There is a fictional scene where Jesus comes out for a walk by himself, with a shawl covering his face to avoid attracting the public's attention.
He chances upon a Jewish wedding celebration where a boy recognizes Jesus as the one who was recently hailed as a king during his arrival in town.
Shocked to have such an esteemed guest before them, the people, who happens to be Jesus' followers, bow before him.
The wedding scene just might be an interpretation of how, in the scriptures, Jesus would teach about having the heart and humility of a child to fully know him.
At the same time, the fictional moment where Jesus blesses the newlywed couple shows how Jesus values matrimony and how he desires a personal relationship with his people.
Read: “Most Handsome Man” in Italy gives up modeling for priesthood
4. Jesus is shocked with the mess at the temple
As early as the second episode of The Chosen Season 5, Jesus' anger at the injustice of vendors selling animals at a high price is established.
He looks at the view of the temple from afar—the busy comings and goings of people, and the buying and selling of lambs and turtledoves as burnt offerings.
It's a preview of what's about to happen when he later enters the temple courts furious, driving away animal sellers and turning tables of moneychangers who are oppressing the poor, who, in turn, can barely manage to buy an animal offering before they can enter the temple.
The series' director, Dallas, have been talking about this much-awaited scene where Jesus takes action against oppressive sellers, before the series gets into the part where Jesus starts to suffer in the hands of his enemies.
Meantime, Jesus' building anger at episode two serves as an exciting cliff-hanger for now.
5. Jesus shows affection for his mom Mary
Every time The Chosen puts a spotlight on the unspoken connection between Jesus and his mom Mary is always a touching moment.
It happens again in this Season 5 primer when Jesus kisses Mary's forehead while she is asleep.
He knows that his mother is deeply worried for him, yet at the same time understands that he must face God's mission for him no what the cost—to die and resurrect for the people to be reconciled to God.
That Jesus checks on Mary and makes sure that she is sent to a safe place before he enters his passion is such a human experience between son and mother.
Known for its high production values and compelling storytelling, The Chosen Season 5 continues to bring a message of faith, hope and love.
The theatrical release allows viewers to experience and reflect on Jesus Christ's life, his desire for people to know him in a personal way, and how it remains relevant today.
THE CHOSEN AT BGC
Aside from The Chosen Season 5 premiere in cinemas, an immersive experience is also in store for Pinoy fans of the series.
The Chosen partners with Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) with a Holy Week installation that seamlessly incorporated cinemas, 3D LED, Iconic LED and lamp post advertising units across the entire street of Bonifacio High Street.
BGC will also host the Stations of the Cross activations from April 16 to 20, where participants are invited to walk through the key moments of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
Each station will reflect his love, sacrifice, and humanity, as portrayed in The Chosen.
Editor's Note: As of April 14, The Chosen Season 5 has been extended in select SM, Ayala, and Robinsons cinemas.