The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie drops a big hint about the transfiguration

The Chosen has yet to show the transfiguration, one of the most important moments in the Bible. Don’t expect to see it in Season 5 – however, according to Jesus star Jonathan Roumie, it may happen later.

In the first episode of The Chosen, it explains that it’s based “on the true stories of the Gospels.” However, it also stresses that its creative liberties and “artistic imagination” are intended to support “the truth and intention of the Scriptures.”

The series faithfully approaches key moments in scripture; the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, Lazarus being raised from the dead, and other miracles. However, its chronology differs from the Bible, with the series often omitting or reordering events (for example, John the Baptist’s death opened Season 4, even though it was recorded earlier in Matthew and Mark’s accounts of Jesus’ ministry).

Notably, the show hasn’t adapted the transfiguration – but the franchise may find a place for it down the line.

The transfiguration could happen in The Chosen spinoff

Prime Video

For those unaware, the transfiguration takes place in the New Testament. In the simplest possible terms, it’s an event that effectively confirms he’s the son of God, and the second person of the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

In Mark 9:2-13, three disciples (Peter, James, and John) are taken atop a mountain. “There [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them,” the passage reads.

Dallas Jenkins earlier said he has “no plans” to do the transfiguration in the show – but, as Roumie says, he was also reluctant to include Jesus walking on water, and it ended up being one of the show’s best scenes.

Public Domain

In an interview with Dexerto ahead of Season 5’s release, Roumie explained: “I think we’re kind of in the home stretch now, so there’s not too many ways that we can sort of deviate, at least in the traditional storytelling sense.

“I mean, of course there’s flashbacks and flash forwards. I think Dallas has spoken openly about it that we likely won’t see the transfiguration in this series. Whether it shows up in one of the spinoffs remains to be seen.”

That’s a big tease, especially since we know Jenkins is developing several spinoffs – including a series based on the Acts of the Apostles. In theory, it could include a flashback where Peter, James, and John experience the transfiguration. Remember, after it happened, Jesus asked the three men to keep it a secret until after his resurrection.

Jonathan Roumie wants to see the transfiguration in The Chosen

The Chosen

In our interview, Roumie said the transfiguration is a moment he’s been “vying for since early on… I think it was a matter of trying to find a way in emotionally within the context of our plots and subplots that made sense in the narrative structure of the show as it exists… I think that was harder to do.”

Back when Season 2 was coming out, Roumie also spoke to the press about his hopes that Season 3 would include Jesus walking on water. “I wasn’t sure if it was actually gonna happen because it’s such unique, miraculous moment,” he told Dexerto.

“How do you find the narrative twist to that? Dallas found his way in a way that was so stunning and beautiful and powerful.

“So he’s always careful to make sure that the effect of the miracle or the miracle itself doesn’t overshadow or overtake the narrative of the overarching narrative of the story.”

Make sure you know everything about The Chosen Season 5’s theatrical release schedule and find out where to buy the best merch from The Chosen. You can also read our breakdown of The Chosen’s deal with Prime Video, and find out how to stream the show for free before Season 5.