Dallas Jenkins addresses criticism over angelic depictions in The Chosen

Director Dallas Jenkins has responded to online backlash regarding a teaser trailer for the sixth season of the series The Chosen. The clip, which depicts angelic warriors in the Garden of Gethsemane, features characters with diverse racial characteristics and blue-tinted skin. Jenkins addressed the controversy in a social media post, suggesting that some critics prioritize a need for certainty over curiosity, characterizing this fixation as a form of idolatry.

The footage, which references Matthew 26:53, shows the angels preparing to defend Jesus before being called off. While some viewers praised the artistic interpretation of the biblical passage, others criticized the creative choices as forced diversity. Some social media users drew comparisons to the film Avatar, while others expressed concern that the inclusion of specific cultural motifs might imply theological connections to Mormonism. Additionally, some critics noted that the series has omitted other significant biblical events, such as the Transfiguration and the baptism of Christ, while taking creative liberties with the Gospel narrative.