How a failed film director crowdfunded the most successful religious drama in history
In short: After a box office disappointment, filmmaker Dallas Jenkins pivoted to a multi-season series about Jesus. By leveraging a unique equity-based crowdfunding model, he bypassed traditional Hollywood studios to create a global phenomenon. Today, The Chosen has reached an estimated 280 million viewers, proving that audiences crave intimate, character-driven biblical storytelling.
The Chosen originated from a short film titled The Shepherd, which Dallas Jenkins produced for a Christmas Eve service at his church in Elgin, Illinois. Recognizing that no previous series had attempted a multi-season arc about the life of Jesus, Jenkins sought to build a narrative that prioritized historical and cultural context. By focusing on the perspectives of those who encountered Jesus—from disciples to Roman officials—he aimed to present a version of the ministry that felt personal, immediate, and grounded in the reality of first-century Galilee.
The production's financial journey is as unconventional as its creative approach. Initially, the team utilized a provision in the 2016 JOBS Act to offer equity to investors, raising $11 million from over 16,000 people. This model, which allowed contributors to share in future profits, surpassed previous records for crowdfunded television. As the show grew, the producers transitioned to traditional crowdfunding and a pay-it-forward system, eventually partnering with the Come and See Foundation to manage donations. By 2025, the series had grossed over $120 million in theatrical releases alone.
To maintain authenticity, the production employs consultants from Catholic, evangelical, and Messianic Jewish traditions, alongside an Orthodox Jewish theologian. This collaborative effort extends to the casting, which intentionally features a diverse ensemble to reflect the ethnic variety of a first-century trade hub like Capernaum. Filming has spanned locations from Texas to a specialized Jerusalem replica set in Utah, with the series now expanding into an entertainment universe that includes spin-offs, novels, and graphic novels, all while maintaining its core mission of supporting the narrative truth of the gospels.
While the show has achieved massive international success, it has not been without friction. Legal disputes between The Chosen, LLC and Angel Studios in 2024 highlighted the sustainability challenges of its early funding methods. Despite these hurdles, the series remains a landmark in independent media, with plans for seven seasons concluding in 2028. Its ability to attract a significant non-religious audience suggests that its focus on human-centric storytelling resonates far beyond its primary faith-based demographic.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Chosen (TV series)
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