By: Laura Bennett
‘The Chosen in the Wild’ revealed the surprising impact The Chosen has had on its cast, leading to honest conversations about faith and life.
“The wild does so much of my job for me,” Bear shares.
“It opens people up.”
Compared to the sanitised nature of a studio interview, climbing mountains, crossing rivers and sharing meals around a campfire allows people to slow down and speak more honestly.
“If you don’t rush them and let people kind of talk… before you know, you’re having really beautiful, honest, genuine conversations,” Bear said.
Taking the cast beyond their comfort zones
Across six episodes, cast members including Elizabeth Tabish, Jonathan Roumie, Noah James and The Chosen director Dallas Jenkins are parachuted out of helicopters, taught how to eat wild game and cross ravines while talking about life before and after The Chosen, and its profound impact on their personal lives.
“I just wasn’t prepared for the impact that this show has had on the lives of the people who play the characters,” Bear said.
“Many of them weren’t particularly big faith people before.
“Somehow this journey changed them and got into their hearts.
“There’s been a lot of emotion on The Chosen in the Wild. I wasn’t prepared for that, but I loved it.”
An earthy approach to faith
Longtime fans of Bear Grylls will know his own Christian faith has been a constant influence on his life, becoming an official ambassador for the Alpha Course in 2016 and just last year releasing The Greatest Story Ever Told, a retelling of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
One of Bear’s goals with The Chosen in the Wild was to show how “earthy” faith can be, and how it exists outside the constraints of traditional church environments.
“It doesn’t have to always be churchy and religious, but it’s there to help you through the battles,” Bear said.
“Christ has been a good compass for me.”
The right time to talk about faith
Bear thinks “it’s the right time” to talk more about his faith, and that fans of The Chosen will appreciate the depth of the new show.
“The audience for The Chosen in the Wild want me to go there a bit more,” Bear said.
“It’s been a privilege to [make the show] and I’m excited for people to watch it.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.
Feature image: Screenshot of The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls | Official Cover – Amazon Prime
