In a remarkable show of faith-based film momentum, The Chosen: Last Supper – the first installment of Season 5 of the hit series The Chosen – debuted at #4 in the Australian box office and an impressive #2 in New Zealand, solidifying its place as a global phenomenon with deep resonance in the lead-up to Easter.
Released in Australian cinemas on 10 April, the cinematic episodes follow Jesus and his disciples through the climactic events of Holy Week, culminating in the Last Supper. The premiere has outperformed expectations, especially considering it was launched alongside mainstream heavyweights, including A Minecraft Movie and Disney’s new Snow White.
Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer of the series, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the warm reception Down Under.
“I’m not shocked we’ve done so well in Australia and New Zealand because viewers there have been passionate about the show for years,” Jenkins said. “I’m thrilled they’re getting to see our biggest season yet on the big screen.”
Shot in cinematic format, The Chosen: Last Supper captures the emotional and spiritual gravity of the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The portrayal of Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, continues to draw acclaim for its humanised and intimate perspective, told through the eyes of those who walked with Him.
The release marks a significant shift in the way faith-based content is consumed, with the full fifth season of The Chosen being made available in cinemas in its entirety – a first for Australian audiences. Season 5 is being rolled out in three parts, with Parts Two and Three (Episodes three to eight) scheduled for a limited theatrical release on 10 and 11 May across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Theatrical distributor Faith Media has championed the Australian and Pacific Islands release. Penei Kurene, spokesperson for Faith Media, noted the growing appetite for high-quality Christian storytelling:
“There’s a spiritual hunger in our communities for authentic, uplifting content that reflects faith and hope,” Kurene said. “The Chosen doesn’t just entertain; it invites viewers to reflect and reconnect with the Gospel.”
Since its debut as a crowdfunded project, The Chosen has become one of the most-watched series globally, amassing over 280 million viewers and more than 17 million social media followers. Its unique production model and dedicated fanbase have helped it grow from an independent effort into a worldwide movement.
The theological richness of this latest instalment is being praised by Catholic commentators for its fidelity to scripture and its ability to bring Gospel scenes to life in an emotionally powerful and reverent way. Dr. Renee Kohler-Ryan, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia, commented on the show’s significance in today’s cultural landscape.
“There is something profoundly incarnational about The Chosen,” she said. “It gives us the opportunity to see Christ not just as a figure in history, but as a living presence in our daily lives.”
Following its theatrical run, The Chosen: Last Supper will stream exclusively on Prime Video later this year, as part of a new global partnership between series producers 5&2 Studios and Amazon MGM Studios.
As anticipation builds for the remaining episodes, it’s clear that The Chosen is not just a series, but a spiritual touchstone for millions – especially in a season where the Church reflects on Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
For screening times, tickets, and more information, visit www.thechosentv.com.au.