The announcement comes right after the hit streaming series about the life of Christ debuts the final episode of Season 3.
No sooner was the third season of The Chosen in the books last night than show creator and director Dallas Jenkins announced the start date for production of Season 4. It happened during a livestream event releasing the eighth and final episode of Season 3 and came in a lengthy update on where things stand with the series.
While the timeline "could change," Jenkins stated that the current plan is to begin filming on March 27th. As with the previous seasons, Season 4 will consist of eight episodes and, though he did not mention it last night, is likely to release toward the end of this year if things follow past performance. That will no doubt come as good news to the program's global audience that Jenkins stated numbers a whopping 100 million people.
The devout Christian admitted that this past season "was really, really hard," citing production delays and brutal summer heat in Texas, where most of the filming of the show takes place. In a moment of frankness, he called it "the toughest moment" of his career, saying that many in the cast and crew shared his view, and adding that he feels "weary and heavy laden," which ironically was a theme of this season.
Of course, Jesus used those words in the Bible (Matthew 11:28), inviting people who feel that way to come to him for rest. Jenkins said he's doing just that, citing Scripture before asking supporters to lift him and his team up in prayer and acknowledging that it helps "sustain" him.
He will clearly need it, too, because, as he put it, "the train never stops:" just a week and a half ago, Jenkins finished the final post-production for Season 3, he gave approval for the shooting scripts for Season 4 within the last few days, and he is already turning his attention to the scripting process for Season 5.
The 47-year-old husband and father of four ended the livestream on a high note, saying that despite all the challenges - including that with seven seasons planned, he and his team are "not even halfway done" - his "heart is full" and that the support of the show's fans "means everything" to him.
You can watch that entire livestream, which is sandwiched around episode eight, via this link to the show's YouTube channel. And if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation - yes, contributions from fans are still the primary funding source for production of the show, which needs $40 million for Season 4 - you can do so at this link to the Come and See Foundation.
I have enjoyed these seasons 1-2-and 3 so much. I have watched them multiple times and will watch them again before 4 comes out I am sure. I can not wait until it comes out. I am excited to see. Not that I do not know what happens but it has just been such a joy to watch and to see how some other persons see the experiences. I just love them all so much.
After watching seasons 1-2 in one big binge gulp in one week, I nearly burst into tears when next went to church the following Sunday when I saw the crucifix in front of the church. I feel like I know Jesus (and his chosen) in a way that was only academic-faith before, but this moment of "fast forward" to the crucifixion made me realize on an emotional level "oh my-we did this to HIM!" I am not a crying woman so this was an extraordinary phenomenon for me. I have friends who cry easily when moved and wonder what would that be like? For anyone like me whose faith is from childhood and mostly academic rather than emotional, this …
My husband and I have watched every episode together even though our down times don't line up often. We made a commitment that we would not watch an episode without the other and I don't have the words to explain how our love for Christ, our fellowship and service to him, and our marriage has grown through this phenomenal project. I will forever be greatful to all that have made it happen. Being a fellow Texan I can relate to the brutal summer heat and humidity. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more and buy a lot misting fans. God Bless you all.
What a Blessing The Chosen is. Proud to support it and be a part of the series by our small monthly donation. Pastor Bill And Sarah Haile.
I really enjoyed all seasons I cannot wait until season 4. God is good to keep giving these folks strength and the energy and the knowledge and wisdom to continue to do this. Thank you for giving us top-notch performances and I hope you continue to do well in your careers. Thank you to Mr Jenkins and his crew. I tell everyone about chosen.