Inside the World of The Chosen: Paras Patel on Matthew, Fandom, and Faith
Indian-American actor Paras Patel has become a household name among fans of The Chosen, the acclaimed historical drama that chronicles the life of Jesus of Nazareth through the eyes of those who knew him. In an exclusive interview, Patel delved deep into his portrayal of Matthew—the tax collector turned apostle—and discussed why the series has resonated with millions across the globe, transcending its faith-based label.
Created, directed, and co-written by filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen first premiered in 2019 and quickly grew into a worldwide phenomenon. What began with a modest crowdfunding campaign to film just four episodes has now evolved into multiple seasons and a feature film. Patel, who joined the project nearly seven years ago, admitted that no one involved could have predicted the show’s explosive success. “We had no idea if we would be able to finish the last four episodes of the season,” he recalled. “At this point, I just say, expect the unexpected when it comes to The Chosen, because it keeps blowing my mind.”
The Character of Matthew: From Outcast to Gospel Writer
Patel’s character, Matthew, starts as a despised tax collector—a profession widely reviled in first-century Judea for its collaboration with Roman occupiers and its reputation for corruption. Through his encounter with Jesus, Matthew undergoes a profound transformation, becoming one of the twelve apostles and later the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. The show’s portrayal of Matthew as being on the autism spectrum has drawn particular acclaim for its nuanced representation. Patel explained that this detail immediately connected him to the role. “In many ways, I felt like I was reading something that was on Game of Thrones level. The character of Matthew really stood out to me as being portrayed as on the spectrum through the show. I felt immediately connected to his story.”
He described Matthew’s arc as a journey from being “unaccepted, not seen, disrespected, misunderstood” to becoming “confident, self assured, strong.” This personal growth is something Patel treasures as an actor. “It is really rare to be portraying a role that is impacting you and inspiring you on a personal level,” he said. “Matthew is someone who leans into challenges and obstacles, because he knows at the end of the day, it will lead to growth.”
A Story That Goes Beyond Religion
One of the most frequently asked questions about The Chosen is whether it is simply a religious show promoting Christianity. Patel strongly disagrees with that characterization. “The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus as seen through his disciples and those closest to him. What I love about the show is that it is not promoting a religion or saying it is better than another, but it is simply telling a story.”
He likened the series to popular Indian epics like the Mahabharat and Ramayan, which he grew up watching. These shows, while rooted in religious mythology, are appreciated by audiences of all backgrounds for their universal themes of heroism, sacrifice, and morality. Patel believes that The Chosen achieves a similar effect by presenting biblical figures as relatable human beings with real struggles. “These historical figures face challenges that we as an audience can connect and relate to, and that is why it has made such a global impact.”
The show’s fanbase spans across denominations and even includes people of no particular faith. Patel noted that viewers often tell him they were moved by Matthew’s journey of redemption and self-acceptance, regardless of their own beliefs. This inclusive approach is a deliberate choice by the creators. The series focuses on character development and emotional storytelling rather than doctrinal teaching.
The Phenomenon of Crowdfunding and Global Reach
The Chosen is unique in modern television because of its funding model. It is largely supported by viewers through a “pay it forward” system, where people can donate to make episodes free for others. This grassroots approach has fostered an unusually devoted community. Patel shared that during the first season, the production team had only enough crowdfunded money to make four episodes. The subsequent success allowed them to complete the season and eventually attract larger investments. Today, the show is available in more than 50 languages and has been watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The upcoming fifth season, set to release in India on April 17, 2025, continues the narrative of Jesus’ final journey. Filming took place in Goshen, Utah, and Midlothian, Texas, with a production scale that has grown significantly since the early days. Patel teased that the new season includes some of the most powerful storylines yet, building toward the climactic events of the Passion.
Behind the Scenes: Patel’s Journey and Love for India
Away from the set, Patel is an actor with deep roots in Indian culture. He spent his childhood summers in India and maintains a close connection to the country. In fact, he harbors a long-standing dream to work in the Hindi film industry. “Nine out of ten times, I am always listening to 90s Bollywood music, and I also love cooking Indian food, especially biryani,” he revealed. This cultural pride is something he brings to his role as Matthew, though the character is historically Jewish and set in first-century Galilee.
Patel’s career began with small roles in American television and film before he landed the breakout part in The Chosen. His performance has earned him a dedicated following, with fan conventions and social media communities celebrating the show. He often receives messages from viewers who say Matthew’s story gave them the courage to embrace their own neurodiversity or to forgive themselves for past mistakes. For Patel, this impact is the greatest reward of the job.
What Audiences Can Take Away
When asked what he hopes viewers will gain from The Chosen, Patel emphasized that there is no single message. “You as the audience can take what you need from it. Whether it is just watching a beautiful story, to finding your faith, deepening your faith, there is something for everyone.” He believes the show’s rich backstories allow audiences to visualize and connect with the source text in new ways. “I hope the main takeaway people have from the show is a message of hope. I hope people are driven to lead by example from these historical figures and their journeys and are inspired by that and implement that into their lives.”
As The Chosen continues to expand its reach, with new seasons and even a planned theatrical release, Paras Patel remains grateful to be part of a project that transcends entertainment. For an actor who once wondered if his show would even finish its first season, the global phenomenon is a testament to the power of storytelling that speaks to the human heart. And with a love for biryani and Bollywood, he is a perfect ambassador for a series that bridges cultures and faiths alike.
Source:Wion News