Filming for Season 7 of The Chosen is currently underway in Goshen, Utah County, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous attention to detail that has become a hallmark of the series. Creator, director, and co-writer Dallas Jenkins emphasizes that authenticity is the guiding principle for every season, a philosophy that has consistently driven the show’s global success. At the start of each creative team meeting, Jenkins writes “authenticity” on the blackboard, underscoring the importance of accurately portraying the historical, cultural, and emotional context of first-century Judea. This dedication informs every aspect of production, from set design and props to costumes and actor performances, ensuring that the audience experiences a world that feels genuine and immersive.
The primary filming location for the season is a large outdoor studio in Goshen, where a replica of the Holy City has been constructed. The creative team has invested months into designing and preparing the set, beginning in January and arriving a month before filming to arrange every detail. The set encompasses expansive marketplaces, residential areas, and landscapes, allowing it to serve as the backdrop for most exterior shots in the season. Every element is meticulously curated to reflect the period, down to the placement of fruit in brass bowls, the presence of livestock each morning, and the careful scattering of hay and soot, which creates dust clouds with every footstep, bringing an additional layer of realism to the scenes.
Art department coordinator B.J. Forman describes the set as “gorgeous” and “grand,” highlighting the scale and complexity involved in its construction. The attention to detail extends beyond scenery to everyday objects, environmental textures, and atmospheric elements, all of which contribute to the series’ distinctive aesthetic. By creating a tangible, lived-in environment, the production team provides actors with a physical space that enhances performance authenticity, encouraging them to engage naturally with the setting and the historical world it represents. This immersive approach allows viewers to feel transported to the time of Jesus, heightening the emotional and spiritual impact of the story.
Another key component of the season’s production is the involvement of fans as extras and contributors. Individuals from around the world travel to Goshen to participate in scenes, often volunteering or donating to support the show’s mission. Their participation not only adds authenticity to crowd scenes and marketplaces but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among the series’ global fanbase. This unique model of engagement exemplifies how The Chosen leverages audience investment to enhance both production quality and viewer connection, making fans active participants in the storytelling process.
Jenkins’ insistence on authenticity extends to the performances of the cast. Actors are encouraged to inhabit their roles fully, considering the cultural and historical realities of their characters’ lives. This approach ensures that interactions, dialogue, and physical behaviors reflect the norms and customs of first-century Judea, allowing audiences to experience a richer, more credible depiction of biblical events. Combined with the painstakingly designed sets and props, this methodology results in a cohesive and immersive narrative world that distinguishes The Chosen from other biblical adaptations.
Season 7 also continues the tradition of integrating practical effects, props, and live animals rather than relying solely on digital augmentation. This choice reinforces the tangible realism of each scene, grounding the story in a physicality that enhances the visual and emotional storytelling. Jenkins and his team believe that by presenting a believable and historically accurate environment, viewers are better able to engage with the narrative and connect with the characters on a human level, rather than being distracted by artificial or stylized representations.
The scale of the Goshen set enables the production to film multiple sequences efficiently, from intimate character moments to expansive crowd scenes, without losing continuity or visual authenticity. The ability to control lighting, placement, and environmental conditions ensures that each scene maintains historical fidelity while supporting the dramatic and emotional arcs central to the story. This investment in high-quality production values illustrates the team’s commitment to storytelling excellence and the creation of a visually and emotionally compelling season.
In conclusion, The Chosen Season 7’s production in Goshen, Utah County, reflects Dallas Jenkins’ unwavering dedication to authenticity, historical accuracy, and immersive storytelling. The elaborate set design, meticulous attention to detail, and fan involvement combine to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. By prioritizing realism in every element—from props and livestock to costumes and actor performance—the series continues to deliver a unique and engaging interpretation of biblical narratives, strengthening the connection between viewers and the world of first-century Judea.
