Dallas Jenkins Responds to Olympic Games’ Last Supper Controversy with a First Look at Season 5 of The Chosen

The recent controversy surrounding the depiction of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has sparked significant debate and discussion. At the heart of this uproar is the portrayal of a scene that many viewers interpreted as a modern, perhaps irreverent, take on Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting. The tableau featured drag queens and dancers lined up along a long table, which some believed was a mockery of the Christian faith. This interpretation was compounded by the inclusion of nearly nude performers, which further fueled the controversy. The scene was intended to celebrate community tolerance and inclusivity, according to the artistic director Thomas Jolly, but it did not sit well with everyone.

In response to the backlash, Dallas Jenkins, the creator of the popular biblical drama series ‘The Chosen,’ took to Instagram to share his own version of the Last Supper, set to be featured in the upcoming fifth season of the show. Jenkins’ post included a first look at the scene, featuring actor Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, surrounded by the core cast of the series. Jenkins asked his followers if they preferred this depiction over the one presented at the Olympics. The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the respectful and reverent portrayal of the biblical event.

‘The Chosen,’ which has been praised for its thoughtful and nuanced retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, has garnered a strong fan base since its premiere in 2017. The series is currently filming its fifth season, with the recently released fourth season now available on Prime Video. Jenkins’ decision to share a glimpse of the upcoming season amidst the controversy highlights the show’s commitment to providing a faithful representation of biblical stories. This move also underscores the ongoing discussions about religious tolerance and the power of artistic interpretation in contemporary media.

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, held on July 24, was a grand spectacle that included various performances meant to celebrate international unity and historic events. However, the scene that drew the most attention was the one featuring drag queens and dancers along a table, which many viewers linked to ‘The Last Supper.’ Despite the artistic director’s clarification that the scene was inspired by the Greek god Dionysus and not da Vinci’s painting, the resemblance was too striking for some to ignore. This led to accusations of the ceremony mocking Christianity, prompting an apology from the Olympics spokesperson Anne Decamps.

Decamps stated that there was never any intention to disrespect any religious group and that the goal was to promote community tolerance. She reiterated that the performance aimed to highlight the absurdity of violence between human beings, a theme embodied by Dionysus in Greek mythology. Despite the apology, the controversy persisted, with prominent figures like actor Candace Cameron Bure and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker criticizing the scene. Catholic leaders in France also expressed their disapproval, further fueling the debate.

Jenkins’ timely response by sharing his show’s version of the Last Supper served as a counterpoint to the Olympic performance. ‘The Chosen’ has been lauded for its ability to bring biblical stories to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences while remaining true to the source material. The series’ depiction of the Last Supper is expected to be a pivotal moment in the upcoming season, as it continues to explore the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This contrast between the two interpretations of the Last Supper highlights the diverse ways in which religious imagery can be portrayed and perceived in contemporary culture.

Season 5 of ‘The Chosen’ is set to cover Holy Week, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, which will be depicted in seasons 6 and 7. Jenkins and his team have already begun writing scripts for these final seasons, promising impactful and emotional moments that will stay true to the show’s roots. The inclusion of fans as extras during filming has been a tradition for the series, adding a unique and personal touch to the production. The first 17 days of filming in Utah saw 600 background extras, including some from Botswana, participating in the creation of this beloved series.

Despite the growing popularity and budget of ‘The Chosen,’ Jenkins remains focused on his original vision and work. He emphasizes that the show is not just about religion but also about the historical context of Jesus’ life. By making the series accessible to all audiences, not just those of the Christian faith, Jenkins aims to bridge cultural and religious divides. This inclusive approach has contributed to the show’s widespread appeal and success, attracting millions of viewers and a large social media following.

The controversy over the Olympic Games’ depiction of the Last Supper has prompted broader discussions about religious tolerance and respect in the media. While some argue that the performance was a harmless reenactment meant to celebrate inclusivity, others view it as a direct attack on the Christian faith. This incident underscores the power of imagery and the impact it can have on different groups of people. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives in a global society.

As ‘The Chosen’ continues to film its fifth season in North Texas, the series remains committed to its mission of bringing the Bible to life through compelling storytelling and artistic elements. Jenkins’ decision to film in Texas is rooted in the belief that the location adds authenticity to the portrayal of first-century Israel. The show’s art department coordinator, B. J. Forman, has been with the project since the beginning and believes that the combination of good storytelling and artistic elements will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The release date for Season 5 of ‘The Chosen’ has not yet been announced, but it is speculated to be available in early 2025. Fans eagerly await the new season, which promises to deliver ‘truth bombs’ and ‘mic-drop moments’ from Jesus, as teased by Jenkins. The creators are dedicated to staying true to the essence of the show, despite its growing popularity and success. This dedication ensures that ‘The Chosen’ will continue to provide meaningful and impactful content for its viewers.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Olympic Games’ depiction of the Last Supper has sparked important conversations about religious tolerance, artistic interpretation, and the power of imagery. Dallas Jenkins’ response, through sharing a first look at ‘The Chosen’s’ version of the Last Supper, offers a respectful and reverent alternative that has been well-received by fans. As the series continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring relevance and impact of biblical stories in contemporary culture. The upcoming seasons of ‘The Chosen’ promise to deliver powerful and emotional moments that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, further solidifying its place as a beloved and influential series.