Dallas Jenkins unveils new studio and ambitious projects
A new chapter for ‘The Chosen’ creator
Dallas Jenkins, the creative mind behind the hit series The Chosen, has launched a new venture, 5&2 Studios, with a slate of exciting projects. This indie studio aims to produce Bible-inspired stories through authentic storytelling and audience engagement. Jenkins announced these plans during the recent ChosenCon in Orlando, Florida, where fans gathered to celebrate the series that has become a global phenomenon since its humble beginnings as a crowdfunded indie short in 2017.
The future of ‘The Chosen’
Earlier this year, Jenkins gained full control over The Chosen after an arbitrator ended the partnership with Angel Studios. As he builds out 5&2 Studios, Jenkins is preparing for the final two seasons of The Chosen. Season 6 will delve into the story of the Crucifixion, while Season 7 will focus on Jesus’ Resurrection. Both seasons will feature eight episodes each and will include a global theatrical release of extended episodes on these pivotal events.
The unique distribution model of The Chosen—which includes an app, theatrical releases, linear outlets, and streaming—will continue with Season 5, expected to premiere next spring. This season began production in April and wrapped in July.
New animated series: ‘The Chosen Adventures’
The first new series from 5&2 Studios is The Chosen Adventures, an animated take on the Jesus story. Featuring voice talents like Paul Walter Hauser and Yvonne Orji, this series will explore Jesus’ interactions with children in the wilderness. Jenkins believes this whimsical format will offer a fresh perspective on Jesus’ story, appealing to both kids and adults.
“We thought there’s something there, seeing Jesus through the eyes of kids,” Jenkins said. “We really wanted to get this right. We can’t afford for our second project to come out of the gate and people to go, ‘you know, it’s fine.’ But we really want to make sure that the audience really loves it.”
Adventure series with Bear Grylls
Another exciting project in the works is The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls, a six-episode adventure series. Jenkins will join Grylls on camera, facing various challenges in the wild. This series marks the first of multiple partnerships in the unscripted space for 5&2 Studios.
“For me as a rugged outdoorsman, I’m very scared about what I’m going to be subjected to. But I’m willing to take one for the team,” Jenkins said. “It’s the idea of partnering with other people who have their own audiences, and for us to bring our thing into their world.”
A multi-season take on Moses
After wrapping up The Chosen, Jenkins plans to write, direct, and showrun a three-season series about the life of Moses. He describes Moses as a reluctant leader, akin to a biblical Tony Soprano, tasked with leading the largest family in the world despite his reluctance and speech impediment.
“There’s an epic story that can be told,” Jenkins said. “In the midst of it was a reluctant Tony Soprano, basically the guy who was being tasked with leading the largest family in the world — and didn’t want it.”
The three seasons will cover the rescue from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea and the Exodus, and the journey towards the promised land, culminating in Moses handing off leadership as he doesn’t get to enter the promised land himself.
Expanding the biblical universe
In addition to the Moses series, Jenkins is developing a series about the Acts of the Apostles and a limited series about Joseph. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the storytelling style that has made The Chosen successful.
“All filmmakers and storytellers that we bring into our fold are going to be people who love the mothership show and have no interest in rewriting the way that we do things,” Jenkins said.
Balancing accessibility and sustainability
As Jenkins builds 5&2 Studios, he is in talks with streamers about exclusive relationships for both The Chosen and the expanded universe. He remains committed to making The Chosen free for viewers, especially in third-world countries, while exploring sustainable funding options for other projects.
“The mothership show will always be free, we promised that, and we’ll never change that,” Jenkins said. “But we always are going to have a heart to make sure that people who can’t afford to pay for it, or particularly in third world countries, that they have access to it.”
A fresh take on a Christmas classic
Separately, Jenkins is behind the upcoming feature The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on Barbara Robinson’s book. Starring Judy Greer and Pete Holmes, the film hits theaters on November 8. Jenkins describes it as a sharp, witty take on the Nativity story, appealing to both kids and adults.
“It’s not just a cheesy kids slapstick Christmas movie, but I think it’s for adults as well,” Jenkins said. “It’s a Nativity story for everybody.”
Final thoughts
Dallas Jenkins’ new venture, 5&2 Studios, promises to bring fresh, authentic storytelling to biblical narratives. With a mix of animated series, adventure shows, and multi-season epics, Jenkins is set to expand his creative universe while staying true to the heart of The Chosen. As he navigates new projects and partnerships, Jenkins remains committed to making these stories accessible to audiences worldwide.