‘The Chosen’ Cast and Crew Say Tearful Farewell to Iconic Utah Jerusalem Set
After years of staging ancient Judea in the desert of Goshen, Utah, The Chosen has officially wrapped filming at its most recognizable exterior location. The sprawling, life-sized replica of ancient Jerusalem—built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and leased for production—served as the backdrop for the series’ most pivotal moments starting in Season 2.
Creator and director Dallas Jenkins reflected on the massive creative footprint the site provided over multiple seasons:
“We have maximized tenfold every inch of this place. This has been used to its fullest extent and beyond what we ever hoped or imagined.”
A Stage for Gospel History
The detailed stone arches, courtyards, and alleyways served as the canvas for key storylines across the multi-season run:
- The Temple Complex: Staged intense theological clashes between Jesus and religious authorities.
- The Streets & Markets: Formed the living backdrop for the disciples’ everyday interactions, character development, and street-level teachings.
- Miracles & Confrontations: Captured dramatic healing scenes and pivotal moments leading up to the final stretch of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Symbolism of the Departure
Beyond production logistics, the team noted a deeper thematic resonance in vacating the Jerusalem set.
In scripture, Jerusalem serves as both the epicenter of Christ’s Passion and the launching point from which the disciples dispersed across the world. Leaving the physical walls behind mirrors that narrative trajectory as the production turns toward post-production and final chapters of the planned seven-season series.
Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) and fellow cast members took time during final takes to reflect on the location that turned a crowdfunded independent project into an international phenomenon. With work on the Utah set finished, The Chosen moves forward into its climactic final seasons.
