June 17, 2025 • 48 mins
This week, Tommy is joined by the brilliant Paras Patel, who plays Matthew in one of the most watched shows in the world. THE CHOSEN is the first ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus, and it became the most successful crowdfunded TV series or film project in history. The series has over 770 million episode views and, with Season 5 out now, that number is sure to explode even more. THE CHOSEN is resonating with both religious and non-religious viewers because the storytelling is connecting with audiences in really deep ways. For example, the character of Matthew is historically a former tax collector who becomes one of Jesus’ disciples. But in THE CHOSEN, he is also neurodivergent, which is something that makes many viewers feel seen. Today, Paras opens up about why he feels that THE CHOSEN has resonated in such a big way with audiences, what he would ask Matthew if he had the chance to meet him, if he felt the pressure playing the role of such an important historical figure, what similarities he shares with Matthew, if he read the book of Matthew to prepare for this role, how his relationship with religion and spirituality has changed through doing this series, what he has most learned about himself through playing Matthew, why this role gave him his purpose, how the decision was made to make Matthew a neurodivergent character, what he is really scribbling down in his tablet throughout the series, if he would want to star in a Matthew spin-off, what that might look like, what it’s really like working with a dog so closely, the scene that will forever hold a special place in his heart, if anything mystical or unexplained ever happened in the middle of filming an episode, the emotional filming of Season 5, if he ever worried that being a part of a faith-based show would limit his future work as an artist, how he has worked through feeling stuck throughout different moments of his life, if he thinks Matthew had a crush on Mary Magdalene, and so much more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario. Today's guest is the absolutely brilliant
human and artist Parus Patel, who is part of one
of the most watch shows in the entire world. The
Chosen is the first ever a multi season show about
the life of Jesus, and it became the most successful
(00:23):
crowdfunded TV series or film project in history. I'm not
kidding you, guys. The Chosen has over seven hundred and
seventy million episode views.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
It's wild.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Barres brings the role of Matthew to life in such
a beautiful and moving way. And what's so cool about
the series is that it's resonating with both religious and
also non religious viewers. And I think one of the
many reasons why is because the storytelling is connecting with
people in really deep ways. Parus is giving us an
insight look into what it's been like being a part
of The Chosen from the very beginning, but then we're
(00:54):
also getting to know him in a little bit more
of an intimate way.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
He is such a cool dude.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
It was hard to wrap up the conversation because it
brought me so much joy, and I know you guys
are gonna feel the same. And a big shout out
to travel Guard, my personal sponsor for today's episode. Their
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(01:23):
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on all the different things. It is such a great company. Okay,
(01:43):
let's see if today we can get Paris to say
something that he has never said before.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Barrus, my man, how are you today? Joe?
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Well, Tommy, how are you?
Speaker 2 (01:59):
I'm good.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
I'm super psyched to have you on the show. We're
gonna have some fun today.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
You ready, Yeah, I'm all game, ready to go in,
and I'm just happy to be here, so looking forward
to the conversation.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
It's really a pleasure to have you on and I'm
I mean, there's so many things I want to cover today,
but I guess to kick this all off, I am
so blown away by the success of The Chosen and
how it's one of the most popular shows in the
history of television, and both people from the religious communities
love it, but also a lot of people from non
(02:31):
religious communities love it because it's such beautiful storytelling. And
that's something that I think is the magic sauce, one
of the many things that I guess contributes to the
magic of The Chosen. But from your opinion, as an
artist working so closely in it, why do you think
it's resonated in such a big way?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
You know, I think I think the magic sauce is
that we are telling this story, but it's from a
human perspective. So you find the audience really relating to
a lot of the characters in the series, you know,
the Disciples. You know, my character Matthew is neurodivergent. So
you have an audience that's seeing themselves represented, you know,
in a way, and that they can connect to it.
(03:09):
And you know, there's there's so much that goes to
say when representation is out there, it makes it more
meaningful for you from being from that community because you
can see yourself in it and this this show is
really presenting Jesus as as a human character. So I
think a lot of people are resonating with with that
and just the humanity of it and just feeling like
(03:30):
they can actually visualize what it must have been like
to live back then or experience the things that the
disciples and followers have been through.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
So if you were to sit down with your boy
Matthew and have a cup of coffee with him, what
would you ask him?
Speaker 2 (03:43):
What would you talk about?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Well, we have these conversations every day, so this is
my boy Matthew here that I it's a gift, but
I use that for other videos. But I would just
tell him. I think I would just be like, hey,
did did we Did I do this? Well? Did I
do this? Good enough for you? But I do feel
like he would be proud because you know, the portrayal
(04:07):
of Matthew on this show, like I mentioned, has not
only given the neuro divergent community representation, but me being
a South Asian actor, it's also provided people you know,
seeing an Indian person on a show like this, and
then also people who resonate with Matthew's journey on the
show from being someone that's kind of not you know,
not seen, not accepted, rejected, And I think all of
(04:30):
us can resonate with that, with those feelings. You know,
I've certainly been through that in my life. So I
feel like Matthew would be proud to kind of be
a face to those people who feel, who feel what
his essence is.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
When you're playing someone so wildly known as Matthew and
who people have a very distinct image of, so to speak,
and have been kind of following for a very long time,
do you feel that pressure and like the way to
the world when you're stepping into a role like this,
and how do you kind of push that aside and
do your version of him?
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Right?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah. You know it's interesting, Tommy, because I actually come
from a different background, so I wasn't like I grew
up you know, I grew up in the South, so
I knew about the Bible and stuff like that. But
for me, it was all kind of discovering as I
went along the way, and as an actor, like although
we are telling the story of Jesus and how the
disciples saw him, you know, for me, it was important
(05:27):
to experience it as it came through the script, and
so I looked up a few big moments in the
in the Bible and then kind of just built my own,
you know, character with that. But I certainly didn't feel
the pressure immediately. I think it's when the show went
viral during the pandemic and going into season two from
that that I that's when I felt the pressure of like,
(05:50):
it's more of just the pressure in a good way
of just trying to do the best you can do
and trying to you know, portray with full authenticity. And
so that was the only time I felt it. But
then I realized, wow, we've we've got such a following
year and they love us and they support us. So
I think that pressure kind of subsided for me, and
it allowed me to like get more confident in making
(06:11):
different choices with the character. And that's kind of how
I moved forward as we progressed in our future seasons.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
You strike me as someone who might be just as
detail oriented as Matthew.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I think, yeah, a little bit, a little bit very
And it's so funny because at first I was like, oh,
I don't know if I'm similar to this character and
I try to do different things. And in season one,
I do know su Doku puzzles, Yes do. Yeah, so
that's what I did, because you know we're telling Matthew
someone that's you know, you're in a version very focused,
you know, good with numbers. So I was just in
(06:43):
my room doing those all weekend and then like, I
have a list that I cross off, and I was
just doing things and it was this moment where I
just like caught my my my reflection in a mirror,
and I was like, oh, I'm actually this guy more
than I thought. Like I have to like take a shower,
like the last thing I have to do before I
get into best take a shower. I gotta have a list,
I gotta cross it off. I track my finances like
(07:07):
more than any actor probably does, you know. So yeah,
there's a lot more similarities being detail oriented. Yeah, you
called me out, and I love it.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I could no, I could see it. I could tell.
And by the way, I'm old school too. I love
a good list. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than checking
something off of a paper.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
List, right, Like doing it on your phone doesn't hit
that spot. It's like the crossing off of like, and
sometimes I'll put stupid stuff on my list just so
I can cross it off. So like it's like cut
your nails, do a face mask, like, but.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
You know what I'll do, I'll put things on my
list that I already did just so I can cross
it off.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yeah, I do all the time. I don't know why
I'm like this, but I'm glad that I'm not alone.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
No, you're not alone.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
We're clearly cut from the same cloth. That's amazing and
I couldn't love that more. I think that, you know,
aside from this show being so special for the religious
purposes and that experience for people who feel so seen
and validated and just like they have a community when
they're watching it, I imagine for you, as a human
and as an artist, your relationship with religion or spirituality
(08:17):
or whatever it is that you believe and in practice
has changed and evolved or perhaps strengthened and deepened.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Is that correct?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah? I certainly feel that. And you know, even just
just learning. You know, I'm so open to learning about
different religions and things like that, and just through this
show I've learned so much and it's so impactful, Like
you know, there was a scene that, you know, Jesus
and Matthew are going over the deatitudes and just even
just in that moment as paris an actors just listening,
(08:47):
it's just beautiful word. So it is very moving and
I'm a big I just really champion visibility and acceptance
for all, and so when it comes to a space
like this where it can easily get polarized and whatnot,
I really love that our show is presenting this story
in a way that you don't have to come from
a specific background to appreciate it. You know, it's you
(09:10):
take what you can from it or what you need
from it. And I really like that because it just
shows that it's more appealing. You know, it's not something
that is meant to turn off an audience just because
it's the story is a backdrop of religious the religious
story of.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
Jesus, right, It's more about the lessons and the kind
of nuggets of wisdom you can pull from it no
matter what it is you may or may not believe.
And that's also why it's resonating in such a big way,
because people, especially in this day and age, I think,
want that connection more than ever.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
Yeah, I agree, because you know, like I mentioned, you know,
it was during the pandemic that the show actually started
going viral, and you know, I just you know, people
are looking for something uplifting. You know, the world can
be so heavy sometimes, and like you mentioned, just the
different stories that the Disciples go through, like we've explored
you know, miscarriages, you know, rejection or just you know,
(10:04):
being ostracized or just all these things that we as
people in society right now go through. And then when
you see the Disciples or something like that go go
into those situations and how they navigate it, it kind
of it motivates you to be like, maybe I can
do it this way. You know. My character was hated
because he's a tax collector, but then he you know,
changed his ways after being called and he realized he
(10:28):
had some apologies to give, and so he went to
ask for his parents for an apology. And you know,
that was a big moment, especially with our supporters, because
it motivated them to actually do that in their own life.
And so you're really making a change. And so it's
one of those projects that's really helping people do better
(10:49):
or be better. And I always like to tell people
to be a Matthew, you know, don't let your past
define you, but always try to be the best version
of yourself. And I think the audience is doing that.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Oh I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
I feel like I just got a flash to some
merch that maybe needs to be creative with that slogan, let's.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
Let's let's like, let's maybe you and I can keep that.
Don't let the chosen hear that, because I'm trying to
explore my next merch opportunities. But uh uh yeah, no,
I I you know, being on this on this show
has really taught me a lot about myself. It's it's
made me grow, you know, as an actor. Before this
came to me, I struggling, you know, felt you know,
(11:27):
not seeing and misunderstood. But I think just in this series,
it's really brought this confidence. And I just want to
like motivate others to kind of feel that because it's
just I just feel like I I didn't come from
any background in film and TV and to be on
something that's really making a difference worldwide, and uh it's
(11:48):
I just feel like it just work hard and you
can do it too, and I just want to be
an example of that. And so that's why I liked
help to tell people to just you know, be a
Matthew because he represents that on the show as well.
You know, he he had a rough pass, but he's
made amends and he's just striving to be He's trying,
he's trying to do the best he can, and he's
operating with a good heart.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
It's clear you you hold this character very close to
your heart and you've been playing him a while. Now
there's a new season. What have you most learned about
yourself from season one playing Matthew to this point?
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Oh wow, I think season one, Matthew came into the
show and it's probably a bit of parus feeling the
massive rejection that you face in the business. But it
was just that it was like kind of like what
am I doing here? What is my purpose? Like, I
don't know why I'm doing this. I mean, initially it
(12:44):
was more of just you know, paying the bills. And
then as as I mentioned as I realized, oh, I'm
like this character more than I thought, and then I
just really loved the way it was written by our
writers and just the story. Yeah, it kind of like
rooted its way into my heart and I just I
(13:04):
just felt like I was here. I was given this
opportunity for a reason, and I just wanted to put
my thousand percent in it and just commit everything to
portraying this character because I am not only representing, like
I said, in my community, but also the neuro diversent
community who hasn't really seen someone in this role. And
I've really taken it upon myself to be an ambassador
(13:26):
towards this community who you know, I get so many messages,
and I get messages from parents who don't realize that
their child might be somewhere on the spectrum and you know,
watching Matthew's mannerisms and having their child interact, you know,
through the TV, excited that they're seeing someone that's like, oh,
you know, Matthew's like me. It gives them the opportunity
to figure that out or just figure out a way
(13:48):
to communicate with their child. More so, it's really just
making a difference. And it was maybe like a few
years ago where I just realized, like I had that
you know, that moment of like this this was my purpose,
you know, this is what I'm meant to be doing.
And you know, I grew up wanting to be in entertainment.
(14:08):
I always knew I wanted to be an actor, but
it's just really rare to be an actor that's making
such a profound impact. And you know, just going to
different countries like Brazil, India and you know, Europe just
to launch the show, I'm seeing on ground the impact
it's having and how people are really feeling changed by
it or just relatable to it, and it's inspiring. So
(14:33):
season one, that's a long answer, but a season one
Matthew to now, I would just say, and when we're
a purpose, it gave me my purpose.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
I love that so much, and I love how you
touch upon helping a community. People feel so seen through
this character because he is somewhere along the spectrum right
and obviously in the Bible, we don't necessarily get the
sense that this character is neurodivergent or anything like that.
So what was the conversation like when you guys decided
to make him have that that, you know, sort of
(15:06):
disability if you will, or ability to some people as
they may say, how did that come up? Was that
a long discussion? Did was it kind of going back
and forth about it? Because that's a big decision to
factor in.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Yeah, you know this this character from was built from
the ground up by our showrunner and creator Dallas Jenkins.
He felt that it was very plausible that Matthew could
have been some kind of prodigy or somewhere on the
neurodiversion spectrum where he because he had a detailed book,
(15:38):
he was a numbers guy, and so he just felt
he was like some kind of savant and because he
is also some our showrunner somewhere on the spectrum as well,
he just wanted to incorporate that into one of the disciples.
But he didn't want to just slap it on to
a disciple. He wanted to be like, this could have
actually been this way and it probably would have been
undiagnosed back then, and so so yeah, that's how that started.
(16:02):
And you know, the show does say that it was
one of their top five decisions they ever made, so
I agree. I think it really made this character so
much more relatable, but also just allowed a lot of
people to see themselves in his journey. And it's also
open a dialogue to the neuron diversion community and that
you are able to see and raise more awareness through
(16:23):
that through this portrayal, Like it's very cool to see
how media can really influence and open up people's eyes,
and it's really cool that it's weird doing it through
this way.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It's pretty remarkable.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
And you're right, I mean, nobody knows exactly how these
people were back then, and in those times there was
really no diagnosis for anything. So to kind of connect
pieces and say, you know what this could have been
this way is a really interesting way to add a
layer to a character while making so many other people
feel so seen. And you brought up the notebook. You're
always scribbling something down in that notebook. What are you
actually writing?
Speaker 2 (17:03):
It depends on.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
The day, my friend, because there are some days where
the director really loves like we have a great bromance.
We get along so well, like I just understand his
notes as an actor, and we just left. But he
knows that if I am not written in a scene
or I'm just background, I will just try to get
out of the shot as much as I can. So
(17:24):
there was a scene that we did in season five
where it's a seventeen minute scene and I didn't see
myself written in the script, and there's a play happening,
and then there's Pharisees and Jesus on the other side,
but there's a whole crowd. I didn't see myself, so
I was like, oh, they're going to let me go home.
So I just walk on a set all like happy
as can be, and the director looks at me because
(17:46):
he sees his smile and he's like, oh, I have
plans for you, and so he put me right in
the middle of the crowd during a seventeen minute scene.
So what I wrote that day in my tab was
I hate Dallas Jenkins for it was like a twelve
hour day. But no, a lot of times I'll just like,
(18:09):
basically I just scribble scrabble, I should write, be right.
I have tried to learn some Hebrew because one of
my castmates taught me a few phrases, but I forgot
what they are. But a lot of times I'll write that,
especially during like a heavy scene. But when it's a
scene like that seventeen minute scene where it's just that,
I'll just write It'll be like my little bird book.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
Yeah right, You're like, I hope nobody gets their hands
on this.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
Yeah yeah, oh yeah no, But it's pretty fun to
keep those thoughts. It's like a little diary that Matthew keeps.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Yeah, for sure, for sure, that's so awesome.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
There's a lot that people are looking forward to in
this new season. Was there just, I don't know, a
really special moment you were looking forward to filming?
Speaker 3 (18:53):
You know, this season was very interesting because now we
are entering into the thick of the story where it's
you know, the Holy Week, the Crucifixion, and then the Resurrection.
So season five covers the Holy Week, and so for me,
I think just in my head, it's like, oh, this
is winding down now, this show is winding down. So
it became a little more emotional for me just because
(19:15):
we're all so close, like our cast and crew, and
and to go from something like a web series to
where it is now, it's just been a journey of
ups and downs for all of us. So for me,
I think this season I just really enjoyed any opportunity
to be on set and and just be with my
castmates and creating more memories. We did a last supper
scene and you know, one of one of our castmates,
(19:39):
the disciple, was like, this is the last time we're
all going to be together in a room as disciples
and that kind of that kind of hit that was
sad to hear. And and so it's just more of
making memories and I'm just excited that, you know, we
still have two years left. But you know, I'm just
trying to make the best of it.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Sure, I feel like there's also ways to keep the
show going on for a long time.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
There's a lot of story to tell, you know.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yeah, you know of course that you know everybody wants
like a spin off or whatever.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
But yeah, so you've heard that plenty of times too.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Everyone, Yeah, really want people want Matthew spin off.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Oh yes, we will do that. I will. I will
be happy to do that. I don't know if that's
in demand, but you know, if we put it out there,
tell me we can make it out of it. But
it's really cool what the show is doing because now
they're creating their own, you know, universe in a way,
so they are branching out telling more stories and stuff.
And I hope it's one of those situations where I
could just be Matthew in a different story or whatnot.
(20:40):
You know, it'd be cool to it'd be cool to
keep playing playing him as the show goes on. Like
I said, this role has really given me my purpose
and you know, even beyond it, I want to continue
what I like to call the Matthew legacy, which is me,
you know, being ambassador to the new diversity community and
participating more than that. So it's I have a plan.
I just want to execute it.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Something tells me you will. But let's have fun for
a minute. Let's say there's a Matthew spin off. What
would you want to explore?
Speaker 3 (21:05):
Okay, I'm gonna close my eyes. I see a detective
that was like the first thing that came to mind,
you know, like a Perry Mason or maybe something a
little a little more quirky but serious, kind of vibe
with Matthew. I also see him being like a vet
because he has a dog. I love animals, So those
(21:28):
are probably one of the two kind of series that
I think he would he would be great at.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Yeah, all right, we just put it.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
Let's ask him.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Yeah, you're like, where did you get this from? A
supporter gave this to me on set.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
But I love that. I couldn't love that more.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
And you know what, we're putting that right We're putting
that in the universe right now, because anything is possible.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
I love that you brought up the dog. People loved
watching you and the dog.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
It's it's such a sweet moment every time we get
to see that.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Yeah, it's it's always. It's so interesting to work with
the dog, and especially on our set where it's like
all these scents and we have like real dead fish
like hanging, so these dogs would just they wouldn't like
hit their mark, and you know, any time we filmed
a scene, like the director and I would just look
at each other and we would just laugh because it's like,
this isn't going to work out. And so there was
(22:19):
a moment where you literally have to drag like a friend,
like safely just drag the dog into its mark and
kind of keep it there. But they're so well behaved,
Like we worked with two different dogs, and it's so
sweet because there's a moment where I had to like
put sausage juice on my hands to get it to
like listen to my commands and just stay near me.
(22:40):
And I remember I was too close to it and
it was doing one of those barks where it was
showing its teeth, and in my mind, I was like, oh,
this thing's going to take a finger off in a second.
So it kept barking, barking, barking, and then it I
guess it smelled the juice. It just started licking my
entire hand and then they yelled cut. But it was
just the sweetest moment of like, this dog's going to
take me out, but then it gets close to you
and then it just like, oh, yummy, like snacks.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
You know, you're like, he did not bite my hand off.
Successful day.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Yeah, yeah, So it would be cool to do a
show with the Matthew and his dog. You know, maybe
maybe we can incorporate that. And while we're at it,
while we're talking about it, maybe Matthew can do a
rom com maybe for MGM Studios, Amazon, MGM Studio. You know,
the list is endless.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, we're creating a whole empire here today. I love it.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
That's that's a great idea rom com with Matthew. We
are sold and seated and ready for that. You you
have filmed so many great scenes and I know this
is like asking someone their favorite pet or kid, but
is there a scene when you think back at all
the seasons, including this one that's out the new season,
is there one that just holds a really special place
in your heart.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
Oh man, Yeah, you know, you're right. I usually have
like a few scenes per season that I love, but
one of my proudest work and scenes is in season
or episode two where Matthew asked for forgiveness to Simon Peter.
That was a whole you know, they were butting heads
(24:07):
in season one, they didn't like each other, and then
I think Matthew, through a reminder from Jesus, realized he
was wrong and almost ruined someone's life, and so he
went to ask for forgiveness. And I just thought that
whole message was just a beautiful one. It shows you
how one can process forgiveness or how one ask for forgiveness,
and that you don't always get it immediately. And so
(24:29):
you really see Matthew go through that journey and learn
about himself along the way, and just filming it, Like
I said, our casts were so close and so it
was a moment I was looking forward to for a while,
and I think it was effective. You know, all the
messages that we got with people being inspired to just
do that in their own life was very moving to see.
(24:51):
But that is probably my favorite scene.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
Yeah, and that's such a human thing we all go through.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Right, It's not easy asking for forgiveness, and it's equally
and not easy sometimes waiting for someone to grant you
that forgiveness.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
It's tough. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Yeah, it's just you know, it's like, hey, I did this,
now you know, give it back, you know, like like
it's accepted or you know. But it was interesting to
see Matthew kind of navigate that of not immediately getting that,
but I think it allowed him to learn more about
himself and figure out just figure out how to move forward,
because you know, sometimes in life things aren't always easy,
(25:28):
but you just have to face them.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Yeah. Yeah, it's one of the many important lessons of
the show.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Has anything ever unexplained or mystical happened from shooting season
one to now on set where everybody was kind of
like whoa, that was kind of weird.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
You know. It's interesting because you know, there was a
moment I think the show run Dallas Jenkins talks about
with him. He calls it his Red Sea moment, and
it was where there was so much fog or something
like they could not film and it was like hitting
the lake and they had to do a boat scene
and doing a boat scene is very hard, you know,
with two boats, all the cameras trying to get it
(26:06):
into the you know, all that stuff, and it's like
a I believe it was like a four to six
page scene and those go pretty long. But I think
the whole day was wasted in a way. And then
finally I think it parted and there was sun or
something happened where it worked out. So that was his
story for me. We did a one take in season
(26:27):
two and that's like a fifteen minute continuous shot, and
you know, we had brought in a camera guy to
film that, and you know it's you know, filming a
shot fifteen minutes going around into the world moving it
is a lot harder than it is being said, you know,
and so we realized quickly that we don't have We're
(26:48):
not able to do this over and over again. And
so basically we had three different times where we will
be able to fully do it. We would rehearse it,
but then to do the full fifteen minute scene. And
they realized it was this person could we could only
do it three times? Really, I started the scene and
it was a Matthew moment with another disciple, and it
(27:10):
was about I think four minutes of dialogue. But I
think all day the rehearsals were going fine. Everything was
going fine. The minute we started taping, something happened where
I just lost the words and I just I remember
just panicking. I kept like cutting myself, like saying cut,
like I can't do that, you know. I just went
to a moment I remember dropping to my knees of like,
(27:31):
what the heck just happened? I never just never really happens.
And I just felt like this pressure, and that was
where I was just I was like, I don't know
what to do, and I remember time was going and
they did not want to move this to the next
day because I would lose a lot of money and
I just felt like everything was on me and I
just felt terrible and crappy. And then I don't know
what happened, but we had one final try left, and
(27:53):
then I could tell that everybody was getting serious, the
producers and director, and he's like, all right, this is
the last chance. Otherwise we're just going to have to
redo this tomorrow. And on that last chance, I don't
know what I did. I kind of just like I
was still kneeling on the ground, had my I touched
her or just got more into myself. I got through it,
(28:14):
and I remember getting so excited internally when I knew
my last line was coming, and I got really happy,
and then we kept moving forward. I remember it was
like a video game where you reach your checkpoint and
then you watch everyone else to make sure they're doing it.
It slowly, slowly happened, and it was great. And then
the producers watched back in a tent and all I
heard was crying, and when I talked to someone, they
(28:35):
were like, I don't know if this was intended or not,
but when the scenes started, you see the sun slowly setting,
and by the time that the moment's over, it's like nightfall,
and it was one of the most beautiful cinematic moments ever.
So it's almost like my mess ups those first two
times was meant to happen, because what we ended up
with was this beautiful shot of like Golden Hour going down,
(28:58):
and you know, for any cinephile, that's like a chef's kiss.
So it was scary for me, but that was I
think that's a cool moment. I would say is like
mystical universal however you want to call it.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
That's so cool because I mean you can't possibly time
the start of sunset to the end with your mess
ups with the last scene, I mean, that's all just
something making it all work right.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Yeah, And I just think it's just amazing. And we've
had several moments just throughout the show where things like
that work out, but that one's like ingrained in my
mind just because of what I went through in my
mind of like I'm going to mess this up for
everybody else, and I was just like, you know, really
nervous about it.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Wow, that's pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
I love hearing stories like that because sometimes the unexplained
is all we need in life. You don't need to
figure everything out, you don't need to have all the answers.
I like when things just happen and you can say
I don't know why, but that's pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
Yeah. Like I always like to tell myself, like, you know,
you know it's I just believe, like in the power
of the universe of like, you know, it's all a
part of a plan. You're just navigating your way around it.
But there's always a plan that's made for you. And
I always like to say, you know what is for
you will not pass you. So it's a good nugget
(30:13):
of encouragement I like to tell myself for opportunities, but
also in this case, it's like this was meant to
happen this way because it did teach me a lesson
about myself and persistence and just focusing. And I really
learned a lot that day.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
And you were open to being taught a lesson about
yourself too, And that's something that really strikes me about
you is you want to evolve, You want to grow,
you want to change. You don't want to be the
same person that you were yesterday, at least from a
total outside perspective. That's what it seems to me is
that you're that type of person which I can relate to.
And I guess when you're building a character that must
be really fun too, because when you think about future seasons.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Do you think about how you want Matthew to evolve?
Speaker 1 (30:52):
Like do you get ideas and inspiration along the way
and think like, oh man, it'd be really cool if
he did this or this, you know, changed him. Is
that kind of how you go through your character development?
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Yeah? I always have my own ideas, and then when
we get the scripts, the writers are writers Tyler Thompson,
Ryan Swanson, and Dallas Jenkins, they have just given me
something that blows whatever was in my mind out the water.
So this season, like you just see a side of
my character that's just it's just like really beautiful. I'm
(31:24):
really excited to get into it because we're filming The
Crucifixion right now. But what I love is that, like
they've just really made each character not just mine powerful,
They have their moment, you see them go through highs
and lows, and I'm just excited for this season because
you really see Matthew be presented in a way that's
just strength. And I love that because it was it
(31:48):
was something I always felt about him internally. I tell
people that Matthew's kind of a lieon like look cute
on the outside, but you know has a big heart.
But it's it's been really cool to like really have
these writers really know what they want to do with
this character. So it's really rare that I have like
a note for them because I'm just excited to throw
in what they give me. You know, they gave me
(32:08):
like a I played a sixty year old version of
myself in one season, and you know they give me
all these great challenges that really allows me to get
deeper into his mode, his thinking, and it challenges me
as an actor, and it's really fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (32:27):
I imagine with this season, with season five, given the content,
given the story that you guys are telling, it must
get pretty emotional.
Speaker 3 (32:36):
Huh yeah. Like I said, it's just we're getting into
the meat of the story, you know. And also we
are getting to the end of our cat like you
know this of you know, it's a seventh season show,
so it's out there. We just know it's coming, you know.
And with season five releasing soon, but we're also filming
six right now, you know, it's like time is ending
(33:00):
and and and in a way it makes it really
sad because you know, if I think about it, I've
given like seven years of my life to this and
I've you know, evolved so much from being a part
of this. So it's it's very emotional, you know. I Uh,
my schedule this year is a bit different. So I
just had one day and made a film and I
remember getting a set and our crew was like, it
(33:22):
just feels so weird without you guys, Like now we
finally feel like you guys are back and you know
that's that's how close we are, you know, And so
it's adding to with with personal us going into this story.
It just makes it extra emotional, but it allows us
to drop more into our characters and the story of
what's happening. So it's it's basically not easy to I mean,
(33:44):
it's really easy to start crying now or get into
that emotional space because you know there's an end there.
It's a there's an end happening in many ways for everybody.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
M yeah, I can imagine that's that's super emotional for
everybody else. That also, given that you're filming very emotional
things quite often lay with the fact that you know,
it's kind of approaching that seven season mark, which which
is a lot to take in.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
But it's really really cool what everyone has built. For sure.
Speaker 1 (34:09):
Did you ever did you ever have any worry or
fear that being part of a faith based show would
be limiting in any capacity as an artist or as
an actor, because I think there are some people out
there who maybe would say as an artist, you know,
I'm not sure I want to go down that route.
Speaker 2 (34:26):
I don't know if it will limit me. Does that
ever cross your mind?
Speaker 3 (34:30):
First of all, I love your questions, Like I just
I can just tell that they're well thought out, and
I'm glad that you're asking this because yeah, that's you know, initially,
like it's not something I think of, But I just
feel like this this industry sometimes gets used to the
way you're being seen and how it is. But you know,
I I've made it. I've been really open about showing
(34:51):
more of parts, like through social media who I am
or how I want to represent myself, and I just
like to make it. I think it's important to really
distinguish yourself apart from the character you play, especially one
from a historical drama so or a historical figure, and
so it's just been important for me to kind of
navigate away from the space. But I'm not, like, I'm
(35:13):
not like turned off by it. I think what's happening
now in content and movies is like they're seeing this
audience and mass appeal and they're really seeing you know,
these faith inspired stories really well acted, well told, and
well received, and I think there's a lot more interest.
So it's kind of tricky. You know, you never know
what the future holds for you. All you can do
(35:33):
is live in the present, but I'm always going to
be open to this space. It actually gave me my
you know, made me whatever it's doing right now, it
maybe that right, but I I just believe now that
whatever will come my way is kind of meant to be.
And I do grapple with the being stuck in it
(35:55):
and I kind of am still navigating that to be
completely honest and vulnerable with you, and it worries me
because for me as an Indian actor, I want to
do South Asian stories. I want to like be a
part of that because that's how I grew up. So
that's my truth and I just hope if there's a
way to incorporate that any way, it'd be awesome. But yeah,
(36:16):
I do feel like, you know, every day's different. Some
days you feel like you can, you know, get out
of this space, or some days you can't. But I
guess at the end of the day, I'm just I'm
more attracted to writing or story and I think it
doesn't matter what kind of genre it is, you know.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Yeah, one hundred percent, I think that there's always going
to be people who try to box all of us in,
no matter what industry or career we're in. We I'm
pretty sure most people listening I felt boxed in at
some point of their life. I just I think it's
so interesting with faith based programming, and I've had many
different artists along the way I've chatted with who do
things on different networks or you know, tailor their content
(36:57):
more towards that, And it's such an important and view
full space and medium for so many people to escape.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
In, which is really cool.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
But you do wonder if people who maybe aren't as
invested in that space can see you sometimes in a
different light, and I would hope the answer is always yes.
So it's so interesting to hear your perspective of that.
And thank you for being open and vulnerable about that too,
because I think it's very human to say I love
what I do.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
I'm grateful for what I do. It changed my life.
Speaker 1 (37:22):
But yeah, I hope that I can do other things
in other spaces as well.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Yeah, you know we're active, right, we're artists, so we
want to show that we can adapt and do different things.
And I think what's also what also works for my
portrayal of Matthew is that you know, you know, you
see me now, but I'm completely different from him. As
a character. So I think that shows it feels a
little easier to transition into other parts because Matthew's you know,
(37:50):
his personality is dialect. Everything's so specific that and this
is what I've probably journaled about just to make myself
feel better. But like that's what I'm just things like, maybe,
you know, hopefully it's not that that hard because all
I want to do is show at the world part.
It's like what I can do as an actor and
challenge myself.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
You know, yeah, and you will and you you will.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
I have no doubt you're going to go on to
do all sorts of cool things. And I think that
when you have such a deep respect and gratitude for
where you've been, and you mentioned feeling not seen and
kind of rejected and on the outside right and then
stepping into your own along the way, I think you
you really never forget that, and you kind of work
even harder in some ways to make all your dreams
(38:34):
come true, which I think is a really cool motivator.
Not that anyone should go through feeling those things, but
it just kind of continues to drive you. And I
also imagine there's times in your life where you have
felt maybe stuck or like things just weren't going the
way you had plans. But here you are talking to
me on one of the biggest shows in the world.
(38:54):
So how do you keep yourself motivated to not let
those tracks things confine you and derail where you want
to be and who you want to be?
Speaker 3 (39:05):
You know, it's interesting, Tommy, because, like I said, every
day is different. But actually, this week I did find
myself stuck. I was very excited about an opportunity I
thought I was going to get. It didn't work out,
and I remember how much I went out of my
way to pursue for this opportunity, and yeah, so I
have been feeling stuck right now. I have been, you know,
(39:27):
knowing that the show's almost over. I'm like, what's next
for me? What's next for me? And I kind of
realized I need to just trust the process, and that's
what I've always encouraged others out there to feel. And
I'm realizing I need to take a dose of my
own medicine. And so I've just really I guess there's
just this like okay, like fel feel all the feels
(39:48):
and then drop let it go. And so when I
go through a disappointment or something where I feel stuck.
I write stuff down and then i'll write stuff of
how I want that to be manifested or how I
want to redirect that, and I don't let it get
to me in the way of how I used to,
where I would just be like depressed or you know,
unmotivated or just feeling like I don't want to do
(40:08):
anything else. If I feel that way, I'll try to
get outside. I'll try to go outdoors. I'll try to
go to a gym to kind of just like lift
up my mental space because it does affect you. And
so right now I do feel stuck, but I'm utilizing
what I've done or just how I've gone through. And
for me, it's through staying healthy, talking to friends, and
(40:31):
really writing down what you want to do. And so, yeah,
I find that that helps me.
Speaker 1 (40:38):
Mmmm yeah, yeah, right, putting it on paper, I feel
like always always helps me too. And I think that
that's really cool to hear somebody like you who has
so much success and who's crushing it in a career perspective.
You know, definitely from the outside looking in, it does
have those moments, and we all have them, and they're
human and it doesn't mean that it's not going to
get better.
Speaker 2 (40:57):
It's just you know, a little bump in the road.
Speaker 1 (40:59):
So I like hearing things like that from people like
you to encourage everyone listening that even if you're feeling
stuck in this moment for whatever the reason is, you're
going to get over it and you'll figure it out.
Speaker 3 (41:11):
Yeah, you know, in terms of a lot of things,
you know, from losing an opportunity, feeling stuck, losing a
love of whatever. Time does heal all in its own way.
But it's just about how you navigate that. And I
think a lot of times we aren't doing it in
a very healthy way. And I think in this culture
of social media and different things that can also get
(41:33):
in the way. So I'm really trying to go old
school about it, which is why I like to write
stuff down and journaling is a big part of my journey,
you know, just even as an actor and even through
my mental health journey and stuff like that. So I'm
just a big advocate of that. And then you know,
when you overcome it, you can cross it off. That's
like you can cross it off your list. Like I
(41:53):
like the cross things up.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
So I feel like, I need to go do that now.
I was just thinking of a few things I need
to I need to put on paper, and I'm like, oh,
I can't forget to do that. Mental note, mental note.
As we begin to wrap up, I had to get
in two quick fan questions I post that you were
coming on the show. I got all sorts of questions,
A lot of them I wanted to ask myself, so
very aligned with your community out there, But these are
(42:14):
two interesting ones that I thought were fun. So the
first one is do you think Matthew has a crush
on Mary Magdalene? And will they be exploring that connection
between you and Mary in a future season.
Speaker 3 (42:27):
Well, now that the show is wrapping up, I can
confidently say that Matthew, in my mind, does have a
crush on Mary Magdalen. He famously says she's unusually pleasant
to look at. But I think we have established the
show that they're very close friends who have, for lack
of a better term, trauma bonded through their past experiences
(42:47):
and they're just really close and they understand each other. Also,
Mary is kind of the first person that accepts Matthew
when he is called. You know, all the Disciples were
kind of like, why are you bringing this guy? He's
a trader, this and that, and you see Mary kind
of accept them and extend an olive branch, and so
they have that closeness. But in my mind, you know,
I did think that that maybe Matthew did crush on
(43:09):
her for a bit. But now that we are in
the thick of the story, I think that's all out
the window and we're focusing on what's happening and just
continuing to keep this bond close.
Speaker 1 (43:19):
Well, that could be the spinoff right there. I'm just saying,
that's a good one. That's the rock com.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
That is a rom com. That's definitely the rock com.
Good point. That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (43:29):
And the other thing I saw a lot of was
a lot of fans were interested to know if you
read or studied the Book of Matthew to prepare for
this role, or if you just kind of wanted to
dive in not knowing as much.
Speaker 3 (43:41):
So I read about the big miracles that were happening,
and as far as because our show kind of explores
more backstory, and especially with Matthew's backstory being very artistic,
artistically inspired, I I didn't read as much because as
as an actor, you want to kind of discover it.
(44:01):
So the big moments like Matthew being called or you know,
the sermon on the Mount, you know, all those moments
I did read just to make sure I know what's
happening and what I'm aware of. A lot of times
when we're doing a scene, we also do actual moments
that are in scripture, so I'll make sure to see, oh,
did Matthew write this down or is he just observing
(44:23):
the disciple or the act out places John He and
I when we get to set where we both just
look at each other, they were like, are you writing
this scene or am I? And then we'll go online
to look to see to see who writes it. So
that's how I've navigated it. I think for me, it's
more about operating from within and I think just I
bring a lot of myself into Matthew. So aside from
(44:45):
those big moments, Yeah, I didn't really read a lot
of scripture, but I've become more well versed in it.
Speaker 2 (44:50):
Very cool.
Speaker 1 (44:51):
I always love seeing the insights into the artistry behind
what you guys do and what you create, so that's awesome.
As we wrap up the show, the final question is
always based off the title of the show, which is
called I've Never said this before, And I created that
because I work a lot of red carpets and my
other jobs and junkets, and you get three minutes or
(45:12):
five minutes with somebody and you don't always have time
for a real conversation, and it's very sound bite driven,
very promotional, which is great, but I loved I love
getting to the heart of somebody. So the final question
gives my guests a chance to show a different side
to them, and that question is, what is something that
you've never said before?
Speaker 2 (45:32):
Whatever that means to you.
Speaker 3 (45:34):
Interesting. I guess I'm like thinking about what we just
talked about, and like my thinking about my whole journey,
and I think of coming up for me is that
I something I've never said to myself is that I'm
proud of you. And I've really been big about working
(45:58):
on myself these past few years and a journey of
self love, and yeah, I think I need to start
telling myself.
Speaker 2 (46:08):
That, Oh I love that.
Speaker 1 (46:09):
It's a good reminder because we can be our hardest
and toughest critics sometimes, right.
Speaker 3 (46:16):
Yeah, So it just becomes I think I just think
a lot of people don't know how to love themselves,
and I realized I was one of those people.
Speaker 2 (46:26):
Well, thank you, Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 1 (46:28):
I hope that encourages many people to to be better
with themselves and to show that love, which I think
is so important. I could seriously talk to you for
four more hours. This is such a joy and a pleasure,
and I'm just impressed by obviously the talent that you
contribute to the world, but also the human that you are.
And I'm really really psyched that you came on the show.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (46:51):
No, I'm equally as stoked and excited. I've actually known
who you are before this opportunity, so it's just from well,
from one well respected individual to another. Thank you for
taking the time and making me feel comfortable. It's interesting,
like I kind of like in the first few minutes
of talking to someone, I kind of gauge whether I'm
(47:13):
going to open open up or like open up to
a different degree, and I just felt like this was
a space where I felt like I could open open
up and I did that, and so thank you. I
think it's very important to let people like you know
how making someone feel safe is important. It just makes
the conversation so much easy and more fluid, you know.
Speaker 1 (47:31):
Oh well, thank you mind, Matt Well, I appreciate that.
Thank you so much. Everybody needs to go watch this
new season of The Chosen to see all the amazingness
that you contribute, and we are ready for it and
all the other seasons to come. Thank you for everything,
and we look forward to following everything you keep doing.
Speaker 2 (47:50):
I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a
lot of you over the next couple decades.
Speaker 3 (47:54):
Oh, let's see one can help put it out there, Tommy,
I have no.
Speaker 2 (47:59):
Doubt, my man.
Speaker 1 (48:00):
Well, thank you so much and until we meet again,
until we meet again, thank you. I've Never Said This
Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario. This podcast is
executive produced by Andrew Pivlisi at iHeartRadio and by Me Tommy,
with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've Never Said This Before
(48:20):
is part of the Elvis Duran podcast network on iHeart Podcasts.
For more, rate review and subscribe to our show and
if you liked this episode, tell your friends. Until next time.
I'm Tommy de Dario.
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario. Today's guest is the absolutely brilliant
human and artist Parus Patel, who is part of one
of the most watch shows in the entire world. The
Chosen is the first ever a multi season show about
the life of Jesus, and it became the most successful
(00:23):
crowdfunded TV series or film project in history. I'm not
kidding you, guys. The Chosen has over seven hundred and
seventy million episode views.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
It's wild.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Barres brings the role of Matthew to life in such
a beautiful and moving way. And what's so cool about
the series is that it's resonating with both religious and
also non religious viewers. And I think one of the
many reasons why is because the storytelling is connecting with
people in really deep ways. Parus is giving us an
insight look into what it's been like being a part
of The Chosen from the very beginning, but then we're
(00:54):
also getting to know him in a little bit more
of an intimate way.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
He is such a cool dude.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
It was hard to wrap up the conversation because it
brought me so much joy, and I know you guys
are gonna feel the same. And a big shout out
to travel Guard, my personal sponsor for today's episode. Their
mission is to make sure we safely say hello to
our next destination. I like that a vacation insurance plan
from Travelguard helps to protect your trip investment with coverages
like trip cancelation and interruption, medical expense, and evacuation, lost
(01:23):
or delayed baggage, which absolutely sucks if you've experienced that,
and so much more so, let's enjoy our trips without
the headaches and out Now is my pride series with
travel Guard about how the community can stay safe during
their travels. Visit travelguard dot com for all the information
on all the different things. It is such a great company. Okay,
(01:43):
let's see if today we can get Paris to say
something that he has never said before.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Barrus, my man, how are you today? Joe?
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Well, Tommy, how are you?
Speaker 2 (01:59):
I'm good.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
I'm super psyched to have you on the show. We're
gonna have some fun today.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
You ready, Yeah, I'm all game, ready to go in,
and I'm just happy to be here, so looking forward
to the conversation.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
It's really a pleasure to have you on and I'm
I mean, there's so many things I want to cover today,
but I guess to kick this all off, I am
so blown away by the success of The Chosen and
how it's one of the most popular shows in the
history of television, and both people from the religious communities
love it, but also a lot of people from non
(02:31):
religious communities love it because it's such beautiful storytelling. And
that's something that I think is the magic sauce, one
of the many things that I guess contributes to the
magic of The Chosen. But from your opinion, as an
artist working so closely in it, why do you think
it's resonated in such a big way?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
You know, I think I think the magic sauce is
that we are telling this story, but it's from a
human perspective. So you find the audience really relating to
a lot of the characters in the series, you know,
the Disciples. You know, my character Matthew is neurodivergent. So
you have an audience that's seeing themselves represented, you know,
in a way, and that they can connect to it.
(03:09):
And you know, there's there's so much that goes to
say when representation is out there, it makes it more
meaningful for you from being from that community because you
can see yourself in it and this this show is
really presenting Jesus as as a human character. So I
think a lot of people are resonating with with that
and just the humanity of it and just feeling like
(03:30):
they can actually visualize what it must have been like
to live back then or experience the things that the
disciples and followers have been through.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
So if you were to sit down with your boy
Matthew and have a cup of coffee with him, what
would you ask him?
Speaker 2 (03:43):
What would you talk about?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Well, we have these conversations every day, so this is
my boy Matthew here that I it's a gift, but
I use that for other videos. But I would just
tell him. I think I would just be like, hey,
did did we Did I do this? Well? Did I
do this? Good enough for you? But I do feel
like he would be proud because you know, the portrayal
(04:07):
of Matthew on this show, like I mentioned, has not
only given the neuro divergent community representation, but me being
a South Asian actor, it's also provided people you know,
seeing an Indian person on a show like this, and
then also people who resonate with Matthew's journey on the
show from being someone that's kind of not you know,
not seen, not accepted, rejected, And I think all of
(04:30):
us can resonate with that, with those feelings. You know,
I've certainly been through that in my life. So I
feel like Matthew would be proud to kind of be
a face to those people who feel, who feel what
his essence is.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
When you're playing someone so wildly known as Matthew and
who people have a very distinct image of, so to speak,
and have been kind of following for a very long time,
do you feel that pressure and like the way to
the world when you're stepping into a role like this,
and how do you kind of push that aside and
do your version of him?
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Right?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah. You know it's interesting, Tommy, because I actually come
from a different background, so I wasn't like I grew
up you know, I grew up in the South, so
I knew about the Bible and stuff like that. But
for me, it was all kind of discovering as I
went along the way, and as an actor, like although
we are telling the story of Jesus and how the
disciples saw him, you know, for me, it was important
(05:27):
to experience it as it came through the script, and
so I looked up a few big moments in the
in the Bible and then kind of just built my own,
you know, character with that. But I certainly didn't feel
the pressure immediately. I think it's when the show went
viral during the pandemic and going into season two from
that that I that's when I felt the pressure of like,
(05:50):
it's more of just the pressure in a good way
of just trying to do the best you can do
and trying to you know, portray with full authenticity. And
so that was the only time I felt it. But
then I realized, wow, we've we've got such a following
year and they love us and they support us. So
I think that pressure kind of subsided for me, and
it allowed me to like get more confident in making
(06:11):
different choices with the character. And that's kind of how
I moved forward as we progressed in our future seasons.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
You strike me as someone who might be just as
detail oriented as Matthew.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I think, yeah, a little bit, a little bit very
And it's so funny because at first I was like, oh,
I don't know if I'm similar to this character and
I try to do different things. And in season one,
I do know su Doku puzzles, Yes do. Yeah, so
that's what I did, because you know we're telling Matthew
someone that's you know, you're in a version very focused,
you know, good with numbers. So I was just in
(06:43):
my room doing those all weekend and then like, I
have a list that I cross off, and I was
just doing things and it was this moment where I
just like caught my my my reflection in a mirror,
and I was like, oh, I'm actually this guy more
than I thought. Like I have to like take a shower,
like the last thing I have to do before I
get into best take a shower. I gotta have a list,
I gotta cross it off. I track my finances like
(07:07):
more than any actor probably does, you know. So yeah,
there's a lot more similarities being detail oriented. Yeah, you
called me out, and I love it.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I could no, I could see it. I could tell.
And by the way, I'm old school too. I love
a good list. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than checking
something off of a paper.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
List, right, Like doing it on your phone doesn't hit
that spot. It's like the crossing off of like, and
sometimes I'll put stupid stuff on my list just so
I can cross it off. So like it's like cut
your nails, do a face mask, like, but.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
You know what I'll do, I'll put things on my
list that I already did just so I can cross
it off.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yeah, I do all the time. I don't know why
I'm like this, but I'm glad that I'm not alone.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
No, you're not alone.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
We're clearly cut from the same cloth. That's amazing and
I couldn't love that more. I think that, you know,
aside from this show being so special for the religious
purposes and that experience for people who feel so seen
and validated and just like they have a community when
they're watching it, I imagine for you, as a human
and as an artist, your relationship with religion or spirituality
(08:17):
or whatever it is that you believe and in practice
has changed and evolved or perhaps strengthened and deepened.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Is that correct?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah? I certainly feel that. And you know, even just
just learning. You know, I'm so open to learning about
different religions and things like that, and just through this
show I've learned so much and it's so impactful, Like
you know, there was a scene that, you know, Jesus
and Matthew are going over the deatitudes and just even
just in that moment as paris an actors just listening,
(08:47):
it's just beautiful word. So it is very moving and
I'm a big I just really champion visibility and acceptance
for all, and so when it comes to a space
like this where it can easily get polarized and whatnot,
I really love that our show is presenting this story
in a way that you don't have to come from
a specific background to appreciate it. You know, it's you
(09:10):
take what you can from it or what you need
from it. And I really like that because it just
shows that it's more appealing. You know, it's not something
that is meant to turn off an audience just because
it's the story is a backdrop of religious the religious
story of.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
Jesus, right, It's more about the lessons and the kind
of nuggets of wisdom you can pull from it no
matter what it is you may or may not believe.
And that's also why it's resonating in such a big way,
because people, especially in this day and age, I think,
want that connection more than ever.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
Yeah, I agree, because you know, like I mentioned, you know,
it was during the pandemic that the show actually started
going viral, and you know, I just you know, people
are looking for something uplifting. You know, the world can
be so heavy sometimes, and like you mentioned, just the
different stories that the Disciples go through, like we've explored
you know, miscarriages, you know, rejection or just you know,
(10:04):
being ostracized or just all these things that we as
people in society right now go through. And then when
you see the Disciples or something like that go go
into those situations and how they navigate it, it kind
of it motivates you to be like, maybe I can
do it this way. You know. My character was hated
because he's a tax collector, but then he you know,
changed his ways after being called and he realized he
(10:28):
had some apologies to give, and so he went to
ask for his parents for an apology. And you know,
that was a big moment, especially with our supporters, because
it motivated them to actually do that in their own life.
And so you're really making a change. And so it's
one of those projects that's really helping people do better
(10:49):
or be better. And I always like to tell people
to be a Matthew, you know, don't let your past
define you, but always try to be the best version
of yourself. And I think the audience is doing that.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Oh I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
I feel like I just got a flash to some
merch that maybe needs to be creative with that slogan, let's.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
Let's let's like, let's maybe you and I can keep that.
Don't let the chosen hear that, because I'm trying to
explore my next merch opportunities. But uh uh yeah, no,
I I you know, being on this on this show
has really taught me a lot about myself. It's it's
made me grow, you know, as an actor. Before this
came to me, I struggling, you know, felt you know,
(11:27):
not seeing and misunderstood. But I think just in this series,
it's really brought this confidence. And I just want to
like motivate others to kind of feel that because it's
just I just feel like I I didn't come from
any background in film and TV and to be on
something that's really making a difference worldwide, and uh it's
(11:48):
I just feel like it just work hard and you
can do it too, and I just want to be
an example of that. And so that's why I liked
help to tell people to just you know, be a
Matthew because he represents that on the show as well.
You know, he he had a rough pass, but he's
made amends and he's just striving to be He's trying,
he's trying to do the best he can, and he's
operating with a good heart.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
It's clear you you hold this character very close to
your heart and you've been playing him a while. Now
there's a new season. What have you most learned about
yourself from season one playing Matthew to this point?
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Oh wow, I think season one, Matthew came into the
show and it's probably a bit of parus feeling the
massive rejection that you face in the business. But it
was just that it was like kind of like what
am I doing here? What is my purpose? Like, I
don't know why I'm doing this. I mean, initially it
(12:44):
was more of just you know, paying the bills. And
then as as I mentioned as I realized, oh, I'm
like this character more than I thought, and then I
just really loved the way it was written by our
writers and just the story. Yeah, it kind of like
rooted its way into my heart and I just I
(13:04):
just felt like I was here. I was given this
opportunity for a reason, and I just wanted to put
my thousand percent in it and just commit everything to
portraying this character because I am not only representing, like
I said, in my community, but also the neuro diversent
community who hasn't really seen someone in this role. And
I've really taken it upon myself to be an ambassador
(13:26):
towards this community who you know, I get so many messages,
and I get messages from parents who don't realize that
their child might be somewhere on the spectrum and you know,
watching Matthew's mannerisms and having their child interact, you know,
through the TV, excited that they're seeing someone that's like, oh,
you know, Matthew's like me. It gives them the opportunity
to figure that out or just figure out a way
(13:48):
to communicate with their child. More so, it's really just
making a difference. And it was maybe like a few
years ago where I just realized, like I had that
you know, that moment of like this this was my purpose,
you know, this is what I'm meant to be doing.
And you know, I grew up wanting to be in entertainment.
(14:08):
I always knew I wanted to be an actor, but
it's just really rare to be an actor that's making
such a profound impact. And you know, just going to
different countries like Brazil, India and you know, Europe just
to launch the show, I'm seeing on ground the impact
it's having and how people are really feeling changed by
it or just relatable to it, and it's inspiring. So
(14:33):
season one, that's a long answer, but a season one
Matthew to now, I would just say, and when we're
a purpose, it gave me my purpose.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
I love that so much, and I love how you
touch upon helping a community. People feel so seen through
this character because he is somewhere along the spectrum right
and obviously in the Bible, we don't necessarily get the
sense that this character is neurodivergent or anything like that.
So what was the conversation like when you guys decided
to make him have that that, you know, sort of
(15:06):
disability if you will, or ability to some people as
they may say, how did that come up? Was that
a long discussion? Did was it kind of going back
and forth about it? Because that's a big decision to
factor in.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Yeah, you know this this character from was built from
the ground up by our showrunner and creator Dallas Jenkins.
He felt that it was very plausible that Matthew could
have been some kind of prodigy or somewhere on the
neurodiversion spectrum where he because he had a detailed book,
(15:38):
he was a numbers guy, and so he just felt
he was like some kind of savant and because he
is also some our showrunner somewhere on the spectrum as well,
he just wanted to incorporate that into one of the disciples.
But he didn't want to just slap it on to
a disciple. He wanted to be like, this could have
actually been this way and it probably would have been
undiagnosed back then, and so so yeah, that's how that started.
(16:02):
And you know, the show does say that it was
one of their top five decisions they ever made, so
I agree. I think it really made this character so
much more relatable, but also just allowed a lot of
people to see themselves in his journey. And it's also
open a dialogue to the neuron diversion community and that
you are able to see and raise more awareness through
(16:23):
that through this portrayal, Like it's very cool to see
how media can really influence and open up people's eyes,
and it's really cool that it's weird doing it through
this way.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
It's pretty remarkable.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
And you're right, I mean, nobody knows exactly how these
people were back then, and in those times there was
really no diagnosis for anything. So to kind of connect
pieces and say, you know what this could have been
this way is a really interesting way to add a
layer to a character while making so many other people
feel so seen. And you brought up the notebook. You're
always scribbling something down in that notebook. What are you
actually writing?
Speaker 2 (17:03):
It depends on.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
The day, my friend, because there are some days where
the director really loves like we have a great bromance.
We get along so well, like I just understand his
notes as an actor, and we just left. But he
knows that if I am not written in a scene
or I'm just background, I will just try to get
out of the shot as much as I can. So
(17:24):
there was a scene that we did in season five
where it's a seventeen minute scene and I didn't see
myself written in the script, and there's a play happening,
and then there's Pharisees and Jesus on the other side,
but there's a whole crowd. I didn't see myself, so
I was like, oh, they're going to let me go home.
So I just walk on a set all like happy
as can be, and the director looks at me because
(17:46):
he sees his smile and he's like, oh, I have
plans for you, and so he put me right in
the middle of the crowd during a seventeen minute scene.
So what I wrote that day in my tab was
I hate Dallas Jenkins for it was like a twelve
hour day. But no, a lot of times I'll just like,
(18:09):
basically I just scribble scrabble, I should write, be right.
I have tried to learn some Hebrew because one of
my castmates taught me a few phrases, but I forgot
what they are. But a lot of times I'll write that,
especially during like a heavy scene. But when it's a
scene like that seventeen minute scene where it's just that,
I'll just write It'll be like my little bird book.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
Yeah right, You're like, I hope nobody gets their hands
on this.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
Yeah yeah, oh yeah no, But it's pretty fun to
keep those thoughts. It's like a little diary that Matthew keeps.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Yeah, for sure, for sure, that's so awesome.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
There's a lot that people are looking forward to in
this new season. Was there just, I don't know, a
really special moment you were looking forward to filming?
Speaker 3 (18:53):
You know, this season was very interesting because now we
are entering into the thick of the story where it's
you know, the Holy Week, the Crucifixion, and then the Resurrection.
So season five covers the Holy Week, and so for me,
I think just in my head, it's like, oh, this
is winding down now, this show is winding down. So
it became a little more emotional for me just because
(19:15):
we're all so close, like our cast and crew, and
and to go from something like a web series to
where it is now, it's just been a journey of
ups and downs for all of us. So for me,
I think this season I just really enjoyed any opportunity
to be on set and and just be with my
castmates and creating more memories. We did a last supper
scene and you know, one of one of our castmates,
(19:39):
the disciple, was like, this is the last time we're
all going to be together in a room as disciples
and that kind of that kind of hit that was
sad to hear. And and so it's just more of
making memories and I'm just excited that, you know, we
still have two years left. But you know, I'm just
trying to make the best of it.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Sure, I feel like there's also ways to keep the
show going on for a long time.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
There's a lot of story to tell, you know.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yeah, you know of course that you know everybody wants
like a spin off or whatever.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
But yeah, so you've heard that plenty of times too.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Everyone, Yeah, really want people want Matthew spin off.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Oh yes, we will do that. I will. I will
be happy to do that. I don't know if that's
in demand, but you know, if we put it out there,
tell me we can make it out of it. But
it's really cool what the show is doing because now
they're creating their own, you know, universe in a way,
so they are branching out telling more stories and stuff.
And I hope it's one of those situations where I
could just be Matthew in a different story or whatnot.
(20:40):
You know, it'd be cool to it'd be cool to
keep playing playing him as the show goes on. Like
I said, this role has really given me my purpose
and you know, even beyond it, I want to continue
what I like to call the Matthew legacy, which is me,
you know, being ambassador to the new diversity community and
participating more than that. So it's I have a plan.
I just want to execute it.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Something tells me you will. But let's have fun for
a minute. Let's say there's a Matthew spin off. What
would you want to explore?
Speaker 3 (21:05):
Okay, I'm gonna close my eyes. I see a detective
that was like the first thing that came to mind,
you know, like a Perry Mason or maybe something a
little a little more quirky but serious, kind of vibe
with Matthew. I also see him being like a vet
because he has a dog. I love animals, So those
(21:28):
are probably one of the two kind of series that
I think he would he would be great at.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Yeah, all right, we just put it.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
Let's ask him.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Yeah, you're like, where did you get this from? A
supporter gave this to me on set.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
But I love that. I couldn't love that more.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
And you know what, we're putting that right We're putting
that in the universe right now, because anything is possible.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
I love that you brought up the dog. People loved
watching you and the dog.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
It's it's such a sweet moment every time we get
to see that.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Yeah, it's it's always. It's so interesting to work with
the dog, and especially on our set where it's like
all these scents and we have like real dead fish
like hanging, so these dogs would just they wouldn't like
hit their mark, and you know, any time we filmed
a scene, like the director and I would just look
at each other and we would just laugh because it's like,
this isn't going to work out. And so there was
(22:19):
a moment where you literally have to drag like a friend,
like safely just drag the dog into its mark and
kind of keep it there. But they're so well behaved,
Like we worked with two different dogs, and it's so
sweet because there's a moment where I had to like
put sausage juice on my hands to get it to
like listen to my commands and just stay near me.
(22:40):
And I remember I was too close to it and
it was doing one of those barks where it was
showing its teeth, and in my mind, I was like, oh,
this thing's going to take a finger off in a second.
So it kept barking, barking, barking, and then it I
guess it smelled the juice. It just started licking my
entire hand and then they yelled cut. But it was
just the sweetest moment of like, this dog's going to
take me out, but then it gets close to you
and then it just like, oh, yummy, like snacks.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
You know, you're like, he did not bite my hand off.
Successful day.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Yeah, yeah, So it would be cool to do a
show with the Matthew and his dog. You know, maybe
maybe we can incorporate that. And while we're at it,
while we're talking about it, maybe Matthew can do a
rom com maybe for MGM Studios, Amazon, MGM Studio. You know,
the list is endless.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, we're creating a whole empire here today. I love it.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
That's that's a great idea rom com with Matthew. We
are sold and seated and ready for that. You you
have filmed so many great scenes and I know this
is like asking someone their favorite pet or kid, but
is there a scene when you think back at all
the seasons, including this one that's out the new season,
is there one that just holds a really special place
in your heart.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
Oh man, Yeah, you know, you're right. I usually have
like a few scenes per season that I love, but
one of my proudest work and scenes is in season
or episode two where Matthew asked for forgiveness to Simon Peter.
That was a whole you know, they were butting heads
(24:07):
in season one, they didn't like each other, and then
I think Matthew, through a reminder from Jesus, realized he
was wrong and almost ruined someone's life, and so he
went to ask for forgiveness. And I just thought that
whole message was just a beautiful one. It shows you
how one can process forgiveness or how one ask for forgiveness,
and that you don't always get it immediately. And so
(24:29):
you really see Matthew go through that journey and learn
about himself along the way, and just filming it, Like
I said, our casts were so close and so it
was a moment I was looking forward to for a while,
and I think it was effective. You know, all the
messages that we got with people being inspired to just
do that in their own life was very moving to see.
(24:51):
But that is probably my favorite scene.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
Yeah, and that's such a human thing we all go through.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Right, It's not easy asking for forgiveness, and it's equally
and not easy sometimes waiting for someone to grant you
that forgiveness.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
It's tough. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Yeah, it's just you know, it's like, hey, I did this,
now you know, give it back, you know, like like
it's accepted or you know. But it was interesting to
see Matthew kind of navigate that of not immediately getting that,
but I think it allowed him to learn more about
himself and figure out just figure out how to move forward,
because you know, sometimes in life things aren't always easy,
(25:28):
but you just have to face them.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Yeah. Yeah, it's one of the many important lessons of
the show.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Has anything ever unexplained or mystical happened from shooting season
one to now on set where everybody was kind of
like whoa, that was kind of weird.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
You know. It's interesting because you know, there was a
moment I think the show run Dallas Jenkins talks about
with him. He calls it his Red Sea moment, and
it was where there was so much fog or something
like they could not film and it was like hitting
the lake and they had to do a boat scene
and doing a boat scene is very hard, you know,
with two boats, all the cameras trying to get it
(26:06):
into the you know, all that stuff, and it's like
a I believe it was like a four to six
page scene and those go pretty long. But I think
the whole day was wasted in a way. And then
finally I think it parted and there was sun or
something happened where it worked out. So that was his
story for me. We did a one take in season
(26:27):
two and that's like a fifteen minute continuous shot, and
you know, we had brought in a camera guy to
film that, and you know it's you know, filming a
shot fifteen minutes going around into the world moving it
is a lot harder than it is being said, you know,
and so we realized quickly that we don't have We're
(26:48):
not able to do this over and over again. And
so basically we had three different times where we will
be able to fully do it. We would rehearse it,
but then to do the full fifteen minute scene. And
they realized it was this person could we could only
do it three times? Really, I started the scene and
it was a Matthew moment with another disciple, and it
(27:10):
was about I think four minutes of dialogue. But I
think all day the rehearsals were going fine. Everything was
going fine. The minute we started taping, something happened where
I just lost the words and I just I remember
just panicking. I kept like cutting myself, like saying cut,
like I can't do that, you know. I just went
to a moment I remember dropping to my knees of like,
(27:31):
what the heck just happened? I never just never really happens.
And I just felt like this pressure, and that was
where I was just I was like, I don't know
what to do, and I remember time was going and
they did not want to move this to the next
day because I would lose a lot of money and
I just felt like everything was on me and I
just felt terrible and crappy. And then I don't know
what happened, but we had one final try left, and
(27:53):
then I could tell that everybody was getting serious, the
producers and director, and he's like, all right, this is
the last chance. Otherwise we're just going to have to
redo this tomorrow. And on that last chance, I don't
know what I did. I kind of just like I
was still kneeling on the ground, had my I touched
her or just got more into myself. I got through it,
(28:14):
and I remember getting so excited internally when I knew
my last line was coming, and I got really happy,
and then we kept moving forward. I remember it was
like a video game where you reach your checkpoint and
then you watch everyone else to make sure they're doing it.
It slowly, slowly happened, and it was great. And then
the producers watched back in a tent and all I
heard was crying, and when I talked to someone, they
(28:35):
were like, I don't know if this was intended or not,
but when the scenes started, you see the sun slowly setting,
and by the time that the moment's over, it's like nightfall,
and it was one of the most beautiful cinematic moments ever.
So it's almost like my mess ups those first two
times was meant to happen, because what we ended up
with was this beautiful shot of like Golden Hour going down,
(28:58):
and you know, for any cinephile, that's like a chef's kiss.
So it was scary for me, but that was I
think that's a cool moment. I would say is like
mystical universal however you want to call it.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
That's so cool because I mean you can't possibly time
the start of sunset to the end with your mess
ups with the last scene, I mean, that's all just
something making it all work right.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Yeah, And I just think it's just amazing. And we've
had several moments just throughout the show where things like
that work out, but that one's like ingrained in my
mind just because of what I went through in my
mind of like I'm going to mess this up for
everybody else, and I was just like, you know, really
nervous about it.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Wow, that's pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
I love hearing stories like that because sometimes the unexplained
is all we need in life. You don't need to
figure everything out, you don't need to have all the answers.
I like when things just happen and you can say
I don't know why, but that's pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
Yeah. Like I always like to tell myself, like, you know,
you know it's I just believe, like in the power
of the universe of like, you know, it's all a
part of a plan. You're just navigating your way around it.
But there's always a plan that's made for you. And
I always like to say, you know what is for
you will not pass you. So it's a good nugget
(30:13):
of encouragement I like to tell myself for opportunities, but
also in this case, it's like this was meant to
happen this way because it did teach me a lesson
about myself and persistence and just focusing. And I really
learned a lot that day.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
And you were open to being taught a lesson about
yourself too, And that's something that really strikes me about
you is you want to evolve, You want to grow,
you want to change. You don't want to be the
same person that you were yesterday, at least from a
total outside perspective. That's what it seems to me is
that you're that type of person which I can relate to.
And I guess when you're building a character that must
be really fun too, because when you think about future seasons.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Do you think about how you want Matthew to evolve?
Speaker 1 (30:52):
Like do you get ideas and inspiration along the way
and think like, oh man, it'd be really cool if
he did this or this, you know, changed him. Is
that kind of how you go through your character development?
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Yeah? I always have my own ideas, and then when
we get the scripts, the writers are writers Tyler Thompson,
Ryan Swanson, and Dallas Jenkins, they have just given me
something that blows whatever was in my mind out the water.
So this season, like you just see a side of
my character that's just it's just like really beautiful. I'm
(31:24):
really excited to get into it because we're filming The
Crucifixion right now. But what I love is that, like
they've just really made each character not just mine powerful,
They have their moment, you see them go through highs
and lows, and I'm just excited for this season because
you really see Matthew be presented in a way that's
just strength. And I love that because it was it
(31:48):
was something I always felt about him internally. I tell
people that Matthew's kind of a lieon like look cute
on the outside, but you know has a big heart.
But it's it's been really cool to like really have
these writers really know what they want to do with
this character. So it's really rare that I have like
a note for them because I'm just excited to throw
in what they give me. You know, they gave me
(32:08):
like a I played a sixty year old version of
myself in one season, and you know they give me
all these great challenges that really allows me to get
deeper into his mode, his thinking, and it challenges me
as an actor, and it's really fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (32:27):
I imagine with this season, with season five, given the content,
given the story that you guys are telling, it must
get pretty emotional.
Speaker 3 (32:36):
Huh yeah. Like I said, it's just we're getting into
the meat of the story, you know. And also we
are getting to the end of our cat like you
know this of you know, it's a seventh season show,
so it's out there. We just know it's coming, you know.
And with season five releasing soon, but we're also filming
six right now, you know, it's like time is ending
(33:00):
and and and in a way it makes it really
sad because you know, if I think about it, I've
given like seven years of my life to this and
I've you know, evolved so much from being a part
of this. So it's it's very emotional, you know. I Uh,
my schedule this year is a bit different. So I
just had one day and made a film and I
remember getting a set and our crew was like, it
(33:22):
just feels so weird without you guys, Like now we
finally feel like you guys are back and you know
that's that's how close we are, you know, And so
it's adding to with with personal us going into this story.
It just makes it extra emotional, but it allows us
to drop more into our characters and the story of
what's happening. So it's it's basically not easy to I mean,
(33:44):
it's really easy to start crying now or get into
that emotional space because you know there's an end there.
It's a there's an end happening in many ways for everybody.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
M yeah, I can imagine that's that's super emotional for
everybody else. That also, given that you're filming very emotional
things quite often lay with the fact that you know,
it's kind of approaching that seven season mark, which which
is a lot to take in.
Speaker 2 (34:05):
But it's really really cool what everyone has built. For sure.
Speaker 1 (34:09):
Did you ever did you ever have any worry or
fear that being part of a faith based show would
be limiting in any capacity as an artist or as
an actor, because I think there are some people out
there who maybe would say as an artist, you know,
I'm not sure I want to go down that route.
Speaker 2 (34:26):
I don't know if it will limit me. Does that
ever cross your mind?
Speaker 3 (34:30):
First of all, I love your questions, Like I just
I can just tell that they're well thought out, and
I'm glad that you're asking this because yeah, that's you know, initially,
like it's not something I think of, But I just
feel like this this industry sometimes gets used to the
way you're being seen and how it is. But you know,
I I've made it. I've been really open about showing
(34:51):
more of parts, like through social media who I am
or how I want to represent myself, and I just
like to make it. I think it's important to really
distinguish yourself apart from the character you play, especially one
from a historical drama so or a historical figure, and
so it's just been important for me to kind of
navigate away from the space. But I'm not, like, I'm
(35:13):
not like turned off by it. I think what's happening
now in content and movies is like they're seeing this
audience and mass appeal and they're really seeing you know,
these faith inspired stories really well acted, well told, and
well received, and I think there's a lot more interest.
So it's kind of tricky. You know, you never know
what the future holds for you. All you can do
(35:33):
is live in the present, but I'm always going to
be open to this space. It actually gave me my
you know, made me whatever it's doing right now, it
maybe that right, but I I just believe now that
whatever will come my way is kind of meant to be.
And I do grapple with the being stuck in it
(35:55):
and I kind of am still navigating that to be
completely honest and vulnerable with you, and it worries me
because for me as an Indian actor, I want to
do South Asian stories. I want to like be a
part of that because that's how I grew up. So
that's my truth and I just hope if there's a
way to incorporate that any way, it'd be awesome. But yeah,
(36:16):
I do feel like, you know, every day's different. Some
days you feel like you can, you know, get out
of this space, or some days you can't. But I
guess at the end of the day, I'm just I'm
more attracted to writing or story and I think it
doesn't matter what kind of genre it is, you know.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Yeah, one hundred percent, I think that there's always going
to be people who try to box all of us in,
no matter what industry or career we're in. We I'm
pretty sure most people listening I felt boxed in at
some point of their life. I just I think it's
so interesting with faith based programming, and I've had many
different artists along the way I've chatted with who do
things on different networks or you know, tailor their content
(36:57):
more towards that, And it's such an important and view
full space and medium for so many people to escape.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
In, which is really cool.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
But you do wonder if people who maybe aren't as
invested in that space can see you sometimes in a
different light, and I would hope the answer is always yes.
So it's so interesting to hear your perspective of that.
And thank you for being open and vulnerable about that too,
because I think it's very human to say I love
what I do.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
I'm grateful for what I do. It changed my life.
Speaker 1 (37:22):
But yeah, I hope that I can do other things
in other spaces as well.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Yeah, you know we're active, right, we're artists, so we
want to show that we can adapt and do different things.
And I think what's also what also works for my
portrayal of Matthew is that you know, you know, you
see me now, but I'm completely different from him. As
a character. So I think that shows it feels a
little easier to transition into other parts because Matthew's you know,
(37:50):
his personality is dialect. Everything's so specific that and this
is what I've probably journaled about just to make myself
feel better. But like that's what I'm just things like, maybe,
you know, hopefully it's not that that hard because all
I want to do is show at the world part.
It's like what I can do as an actor and
challenge myself.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
You know, yeah, and you will and you you will.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
I have no doubt you're going to go on to
do all sorts of cool things. And I think that
when you have such a deep respect and gratitude for
where you've been, and you mentioned feeling not seen and
kind of rejected and on the outside right and then
stepping into your own along the way, I think you
you really never forget that, and you kind of work
even harder in some ways to make all your dreams
(38:34):
come true, which I think is a really cool motivator.
Not that anyone should go through feeling those things, but
it just kind of continues to drive you. And I
also imagine there's times in your life where you have
felt maybe stuck or like things just weren't going the
way you had plans. But here you are talking to
me on one of the biggest shows in the world.
(38:54):
So how do you keep yourself motivated to not let
those tracks things confine you and derail where you want
to be and who you want to be?
Speaker 3 (39:05):
You know, it's interesting, Tommy, because, like I said, every
day is different. But actually, this week I did find
myself stuck. I was very excited about an opportunity I
thought I was going to get. It didn't work out,
and I remember how much I went out of my
way to pursue for this opportunity, and yeah, so I
have been feeling stuck right now. I have been, you know,
(39:27):
knowing that the show's almost over. I'm like, what's next
for me? What's next for me? And I kind of
realized I need to just trust the process, and that's
what I've always encouraged others out there to feel. And
I'm realizing I need to take a dose of my
own medicine. And so I've just really I guess there's
just this like okay, like fel feel all the feels
(39:48):
and then drop let it go. And so when I
go through a disappointment or something where I feel stuck.
I write stuff down and then i'll write stuff of
how I want that to be manifested or how I
want to redirect that, and I don't let it get
to me in the way of how I used to,
where I would just be like depressed or you know,
unmotivated or just feeling like I don't want to do
(40:08):
anything else. If I feel that way, I'll try to
get outside. I'll try to go outdoors. I'll try to
go to a gym to kind of just like lift
up my mental space because it does affect you. And
so right now I do feel stuck, but I'm utilizing
what I've done or just how I've gone through. And
for me, it's through staying healthy, talking to friends, and
(40:31):
really writing down what you want to do. And so, yeah,
I find that that helps me.
Speaker 1 (40:38):
Mmmm yeah, yeah, right, putting it on paper, I feel
like always always helps me too. And I think that
that's really cool to hear somebody like you who has
so much success and who's crushing it in a career perspective.
You know, definitely from the outside looking in, it does
have those moments, and we all have them, and they're
human and it doesn't mean that it's not going to
get better.
Speaker 2 (40:57):
It's just you know, a little bump in the road.
Speaker 1 (40:59):
So I like hearing things like that from people like
you to encourage everyone listening that even if you're feeling
stuck in this moment for whatever the reason is, you're
going to get over it and you'll figure it out.
Speaker 3 (41:11):
Yeah, you know, in terms of a lot of things,
you know, from losing an opportunity, feeling stuck, losing a
love of whatever. Time does heal all in its own way.
But it's just about how you navigate that. And I
think a lot of times we aren't doing it in
a very healthy way. And I think in this culture
of social media and different things that can also get
(41:33):
in the way. So I'm really trying to go old
school about it, which is why I like to write
stuff down and journaling is a big part of my journey,
you know, just even as an actor and even through
my mental health journey and stuff like that. So I'm
just a big advocate of that. And then you know,
when you overcome it, you can cross it off. That's
like you can cross it off your list. Like I
(41:53):
like the cross things up.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
So I feel like, I need to go do that now.
I was just thinking of a few things I need
to I need to put on paper, and I'm like, oh,
I can't forget to do that. Mental note, mental note.
As we begin to wrap up, I had to get
in two quick fan questions I post that you were
coming on the show. I got all sorts of questions,
A lot of them I wanted to ask myself, so
very aligned with your community out there, But these are
(42:14):
two interesting ones that I thought were fun. So the
first one is do you think Matthew has a crush
on Mary Magdalene? And will they be exploring that connection
between you and Mary in a future season.
Speaker 3 (42:27):
Well, now that the show is wrapping up, I can
confidently say that Matthew, in my mind, does have a
crush on Mary Magdalen. He famously says she's unusually pleasant
to look at. But I think we have established the
show that they're very close friends who have, for lack
of a better term, trauma bonded through their past experiences
(42:47):
and they're just really close and they understand each other. Also,
Mary is kind of the first person that accepts Matthew
when he is called. You know, all the Disciples were
kind of like, why are you bringing this guy? He's
a trader, this and that, and you see Mary kind
of accept them and extend an olive branch, and so
they have that closeness. But in my mind, you know,
I did think that that maybe Matthew did crush on
(43:09):
her for a bit. But now that we are in
the thick of the story, I think that's all out
the window and we're focusing on what's happening and just
continuing to keep this bond close.
Speaker 1 (43:19):
Well, that could be the spinoff right there. I'm just saying,
that's a good one. That's the rock com.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
That is a rom com. That's definitely the rock com.
Good point. That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (43:29):
And the other thing I saw a lot of was
a lot of fans were interested to know if you
read or studied the Book of Matthew to prepare for
this role, or if you just kind of wanted to
dive in not knowing as much.
Speaker 3 (43:41):
So I read about the big miracles that were happening,
and as far as because our show kind of explores
more backstory, and especially with Matthew's backstory being very artistic,
artistically inspired, I I didn't read as much because as
as an actor, you want to kind of discover it.
(44:01):
So the big moments like Matthew being called or you know,
the sermon on the Mount, you know, all those moments
I did read just to make sure I know what's
happening and what I'm aware of. A lot of times
when we're doing a scene, we also do actual moments
that are in scripture, so I'll make sure to see, oh,
did Matthew write this down or is he just observing
(44:23):
the disciple or the act out places John He and
I when we get to set where we both just
look at each other, they were like, are you writing
this scene or am I? And then we'll go online
to look to see to see who writes it. So
that's how I've navigated it. I think for me, it's
more about operating from within and I think just I
bring a lot of myself into Matthew. So aside from
(44:45):
those big moments, Yeah, I didn't really read a lot
of scripture, but I've become more well versed in it.
Speaker 2 (44:50):
Very cool.
Speaker 1 (44:51):
I always love seeing the insights into the artistry behind
what you guys do and what you create, so that's awesome.
As we wrap up the show, the final question is
always based off the title of the show, which is
called I've Never said this before, And I created that
because I work a lot of red carpets and my
other jobs and junkets, and you get three minutes or
(45:12):
five minutes with somebody and you don't always have time
for a real conversation, and it's very sound bite driven,
very promotional, which is great, but I loved I love
getting to the heart of somebody. So the final question
gives my guests a chance to show a different side
to them, and that question is, what is something that
you've never said before?
Speaker 2 (45:32):
Whatever that means to you.
Speaker 3 (45:34):
Interesting. I guess I'm like thinking about what we just
talked about, and like my thinking about my whole journey,
and I think of coming up for me is that
I something I've never said to myself is that I'm
proud of you. And I've really been big about working
(45:58):
on myself these past few years and a journey of
self love, and yeah, I think I need to start
telling myself.
Speaker 2 (46:08):
That, Oh I love that.
Speaker 1 (46:09):
It's a good reminder because we can be our hardest
and toughest critics sometimes, right.
Speaker 3 (46:16):
Yeah, So it just becomes I think I just think
a lot of people don't know how to love themselves,
and I realized I was one of those people.
Speaker 2 (46:26):
Well, thank you, Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 1 (46:28):
I hope that encourages many people to to be better
with themselves and to show that love, which I think
is so important. I could seriously talk to you for
four more hours. This is such a joy and a pleasure,
and I'm just impressed by obviously the talent that you
contribute to the world, but also the human that you are.
And I'm really really psyched that you came on the show.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (46:51):
No, I'm equally as stoked and excited. I've actually known
who you are before this opportunity, so it's just from well,
from one well respected individual to another. Thank you for
taking the time and making me feel comfortable. It's interesting,
like I kind of like in the first few minutes
of talking to someone, I kind of gauge whether I'm
(47:13):
going to open open up or like open up to
a different degree, and I just felt like this was
a space where I felt like I could open open
up and I did that, and so thank you. I
think it's very important to let people like you know
how making someone feel safe is important. It just makes
the conversation so much easy and more fluid, you know.
Speaker 1 (47:31):
Oh well, thank you mind, Matt Well, I appreciate that.
Thank you so much. Everybody needs to go watch this
new season of The Chosen to see all the amazingness
that you contribute, and we are ready for it and
all the other seasons to come. Thank you for everything,
and we look forward to following everything you keep doing.
Speaker 2 (47:50):
I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a
lot of you over the next couple decades.
Speaker 3 (47:54):
Oh, let's see one can help put it out there, Tommy,
I have no.
Speaker 2 (47:59):
Doubt, my man.
Speaker 1 (48:00):
Well, thank you so much and until we meet again,
until we meet again, thank you. I've Never Said This
Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario. This podcast is
executive produced by Andrew Pivlisi at iHeartRadio and by Me Tommy,
with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've Never Said This Before
(48:20):
is part of the Elvis Duran podcast network on iHeart Podcasts.
For more, rate review and subscribe to our show and
if you liked this episode, tell your friends. Until next time.
I'm Tommy de Dario.
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