Paras Patel of The Chosen

This week, Tommy is joined by the brilliant Paras Patel, who plays Matthew in one of the most watched shows in the world. THE CHOSEN is the first ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus, and it became the most successful crowdfunded TV series or film project in history. The series has over 770 million episode views and, with Season 5 out now, that number is sure to explode even more. THE CHOSEN is resonating with both religious and non-religious viewers because the storytelling is connecting with audiences in really deep ways. For example, the character of Matthew is historically a former tax collector who becomes one of Jesus’ disciples. But in THE CHOSEN, he is also neurodivergent, which is something that makes many viewers feel seen. Today, Paras opens up about why he feels that THE CHOSEN has resonated in such a big way with audiences, what he would ask Matthew if he had the chance to meet him, if he felt the pressure playing the role of such an important historical figure, what similarities he shares with Matthew, if he read the book of Matthew to prepare for this role, how his relationship with religion and spirituality has changed through doing this series, what he has most learned about himself through playing Matthew, why this role gave him his purpose, how the decision was made to make Matthew a neurodivergent character, what he is really scribbling down in his tablet throughout the series, if he would want to star in a Matthew spin-off, what that might look like, what it’s really like working with a dog so closely, the scene that will forever hold a special place in his heart, if anything mystical or unexplained ever happened in the middle of filming an episode, the emotional filming of Season 5, if he ever worried that being a part of a faith-based show would limit his future work as an artist, how he has worked through feeling stuck throughout different moments of his life, if he thinks Matthew had a crush on Mary Magdalene, and so much more. Subscribe, rate, and review this episode if you enjoyed this conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.