How ‘The Chosen’ Premiere Brought the Last Supper to Life for Season 5
The Last Supper has long been a pivotal moment in Biblical history, and in the fifth season of the scripted drama series “The Chosen,” it was given the grand treatment it deserved. Executive producer Dallas Jenkins knew that cramming such a significant event into one episode would not do it justice, so the team decided to spread it out over multiple episodes.
The decision to open each episode with a scene from the Last Supper allowed for key moments such as the washing of the feet, the betrayal of Judas, and the prayers and practices of a traditional Passover meal to be highlighted. Jenkins wanted to explore the emotional and historical significance of these moments, as well as incorporate themes that aligned with the different episodes.
Unlike previous big events like the Sermon on the Mount, which were condensed into highlight reels, the Last Supper was given a more in-depth treatment. Filmed in chronological order over four days, each Last Supper segment was presented in reverse order per episode to keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested.
Production designer James Cunningham and his team went to great lengths to recreate the setting of the Last Supper. Building three trestle tables out of oak to form the iconic U-shaped table used in the 1st century, they ensured that the table was large enough to accommodate all the actors and crew while also meeting the director of photography’s lighting requirements.
Research into traditional seating arrangements at a meal like the Last Supper revealed where each of the apostles, including Jesus, would have sat. While some adjustments were made for production reasons, such as centering Jesus in the room for symmetry, the team stayed true to the honored guest traditions. Additionally, an empty seat was left for the prophet Elijah as a symbol of hope for redemption.
The meticulous attention to detail in portraying the Last Supper on “The Chosen” reflects the dedication of the cast and crew to bringing this iconic moment to life on screen. By spreading it out over multiple episodes and exploring the emotional and historical significance of each moment, the series has once again captured the essence of the New Testament stories in a compelling and engaging way. The Last Supper scenes in the hit show “The Chosen” were meticulously crafted to ensure authenticity and visual impact. According to the show’s creator and director, Dallas Jenkins, the production team went to great lengths to create a realistic and immersive experience for the audience.
One key aspect of the Last Supper scenes was the use of wooden benches for the cast’s comfort during the multiple days of shooting. This attention to detail not only helped the actors perform at their best but also added to the overall atmosphere of the scene.
In addition to the practical considerations, the production also consulted with a seder expert to ensure that the details of a traditional Passover meal were accurately depicted. While some creative liberties were taken, such as using plates and silverware instead of eating with their hands, the team strived to stay true to the historical context of the era.
One interesting detail that was changed for visual impact was the color of the tablecloth used in the scene. Production designer Konstantakopoulos opted for a lighter shade to create a contrast with the darker lighting and emphasize the warm glow of the candles.
Despite the challenges faced during the production of the Last Supper scenes, including a last-minute redesign of the set due to space constraints, the end result was nothing short of spectacular. Cunningham, the production designer, was moved to tears when he saw the final set come together, capturing the essence of this iconic moment in the story.
Overall, the attention to detail and dedication to authenticity in the Last Supper scenes of “The Chosen” showcases the commitment of the production team to creating a compelling and visually stunning portrayal of this pivotal moment in history.
