In ‘The Chosen Adventures,’ two kids meet the creator of the universe

Get ready for an exciting new adventure! Prime Video is launching "The Chosen Adventures," an animated series that invites young viewers to step back in time to 30 CE Capernaum. This fresh take introduces us to two spirited children, Abby (voiced by Romy Fay) and her friend Joshua (Jude Zarzaur), as they navigate their ancient world and have life-changing encounters with Jesus of Nazareth, depicted as a compassionate craftsman and teacher.

Ryan Swanson, co-writer and executive producer of the globally popular "The Chosen," takes the helm as showrunner for this animated spin-off. Swanson, alongside executive producers Derral Eves and Dallas Jenkins, aimed to create the kind of faith-based content they wished they had growing up. "We were trying to do is create the show that we wished we had had as young kids who went to church and sometimes felt scared about church," Swanson revealed in an interview, hoping the series sparks meaningful conversations between children and their parents about faith and life.

Fans of the original series will be delighted to hear that Jonathan Roumie reprises his role as the voice of Jesus. The talented voice cast also includes Romy Fay as Abby and Jude Zarzaur as Joshua, alongside a delightful array of talking animal friends voiced by Paul Walter Hauser (Sheep) and Yvonne Orji (Pigeon). Other notable names like Jordin Sparks (Fish), Danny Nucci (Abba), and Elizabeth Tabish (Mary) also lend their voices to this immersive world.

Comprising 14 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes long, "The Chosen Adventures" seamlessly integrates into the established universe of "The Chosen." Showrunner Ryan Swanson notes that the animated series benefits from the creative team's extensive experience with the original hit, which has captivated over 280 million viewers worldwide, with significant popularity in countries like the Philippines. Viewers can look forward to three special crossover episodes this season, two of which draw directly from scriptural events like the miraculous catch and the healing of the paralytic.

While designed for a younger audience, the creators emphasize their deep respect for the source material. "We never alter what’s in the scripture," Swanson affirmed. The animation offers a unique lens, allowing the team "a little bit more freedom because we’re not trying to tell the story of Jesus’ ministry" directly. Instead, it dramatizes the experiences of individuals who might have witnessed these biblical events, exploring their journeys from a child's perspective. The team also carefully considers how character behavior is portrayed, even consulting with experts to ensure actions reflect appropriate lessons and consequences.

Dallas Jenkins, whose 5&2 Studios is behind "The Chosen," praised the new animated show as "funny, heartwarming, for adults as well as kids." He adds that it "appropriately captures these great stories through the eyes of a child." "The Chosen Adventures" promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience, inviting families to explore timeless stories of faith and curiosity together.