Dallas Creator of 'The Chosen' Encourages 'Joyous' Easter Celebrations

Dallas Jenkins shares insights on celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ with more enthusiasm.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dallas Jenkins, the creator of the hit biblical drama 'The Chosen,' appeared on the 'followHIM' podcast and discussed how he encourages 'joyous' celebrations around Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jenkins shared his perspective on the importance of not taking the story for granted and expressing as much joy and celebration as one would for other momentous occasions.

Why it matters

As a prominent Christian filmmaker, Jenkins' views on celebrating Easter hold significance for many religious communities, particularly among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with whom he has collaborated. His encouragement to be more expressive and celebratory in commemorating the resurrection challenges traditional norms and offers a fresh perspective on how to approach this important religious holiday.

The details

During the podcast episode, Jenkins discussed how he has learned from working with Latter-day Saint collaborators and has come to appreciate their reverence for religious traditions. However, he also encouraged a more joyous and celebratory approach, stating that the resurrection of Christ is the 'greatest moment in the history of the world' and deserves to be celebrated with as much enthusiasm as major sporting events or graduations. Jenkins shared that one of his favorite scenes from 'The Chosen' depicts a boisterous celebration after Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their nets on the other side, resulting in a bountiful catch of fish.

  • Jenkins appeared on the 'followHIM' podcast in an episode released on Wednesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Jenkins delivered a BYU devotional in 2024 where he spoke about overcoming failure and surrendering to God.

The players

Dallas Jenkins

The creator of the hit biblical drama 'The Chosen' and the co-founder of 5&2 Studios, a film studio that produces 'The Chosen'. Jenkins is an evangelical Christian who has collaborated with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hank Smith

The host of the 'followHIM' podcast, which explores the weekly lesson in the 'Come, Follow Me' study manual from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John Bytheway

The co-host of the 'followHIM' podcast, which explores the weekly lesson in the 'Come, Follow Me' study manual from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Derral Eves

The co-founder of 5&2 Studios, the film studio that produces 'The Chosen', and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I really do, especially as a storyteller, think about how this story still impacts us 2,000 years later, and how I never want to take it for granted.”

— Dallas Jenkins, Creator of 'The Chosen'

“What I admire about (Latter-day Saint) folks is you guys are very well behaved, very tucked in. Now, occasionally I'll watch a BYU game and I'll see you cheer like crazy.”

— Dallas Jenkins, Creator of 'The Chosen'

“It's OK to do it in the context of the greatest moment in the history of the world.”

— Dallas Jenkins, Creator of 'The Chosen'

What’s next

Jenkins plans to continue incorporating more joyful and celebratory portrayals of the resurrection in future seasons of 'The Chosen' to better capture the significance of the event.

The takeaway

Dallas Jenkins' encouragement for Latter-day Saints and other Christians to approach Easter celebrations with more enthusiasm and joy reflects his desire to ensure the story of Christ's resurrection is never taken for granted. His perspective challenges traditional norms and offers a fresh approach to commemorating this pivotal moment in Christian history.