Somewhere between being seen as a visionary and a stubborn film producer,
Dallas Jenkins
has carved a path of success for his projects,
Even when major sponsors initially showed little interest,
In an era dominated by cinema,
TV
a production that is all too eager to toss new concepts into what has been labeled “development limbo” by numerous people
Jenkins has discovered a method to allow a small piece of paradise to come through.
.
As
streaming
As the appetite for rapid success content escalates, major networks have grown more hesitant about investing in lesser-known independent creations or creators. Nevertheless,
Jenkins battled for the initiatives.
he was passionate about
and provided audiences with excellent material to enjoy. The skilled writer, director, and producer began tackling endeavors like the movie.
Hometown Legend
When he was merely 25 years old.
Intellectual and creative brilliance seemed to be destiny for Jenkins. His father,
Jerry B. Jenkins
is the well-known writer of the
New York Times
best-selling series
Left Behind
. The
Left Behind
book series has inspired five feature films, including a 2014 release starring
Nicolas Cage
.
As Jenkins has blazed a trail bringing new insights and fresh direction to the landscape
of faith-based content
in movies and on television,
his zeal and dedication to achieving greatness
are cultivating a genre
That has never been wealthier than now. Below are nine of Dallas Jenkins’ finest television and film works.
‘Hometown Legend’ (2002)
Producer
For those who enjoy
sports movies
and some early
2000s
nostalgia,
Hometown Legend
The Jenkins project is recommended. Although the movie might not have stood the test of time as impressively as some others, it still contains several inspiring scenes that highlight the strength of collaboration. The story revolves around a coach and an enigmatic young athlete who join forces to revitalize their community’s sports initiative.
Hometown Legend
features an excellent ensemble and gives viewers an opportunity to see
Lost
‘s
Terry O’Quinn
In a starring role. The soccer-themed movie also includes a pre-
Hot Frosty
Lacey Nicole Chabert
twenty years prior to when she was a
Hallmark Channel
sweetheart.
‘What If’ (2010)
Director, Producer
Amidst the countless storylines, it’s inevitable that some duplicates will emerge. Take, for instance, the 2010 movie.
What If
,
Directed and produced by Jenkins, this film shares numerous similarities with the movie from 2000.
The Family Man
. Each movie showcases a man who once prioritized financial prosperity over personal fulfillment, and subsequently, through what can be seen as supernatural interference, gets the chance to live an alternate existence.
What life might have been like for him if he had chosen differently.
.
What If
features TV acting titans
Kevin Sorbo
(
Hercules
) and
John Ratzenberger
(
Cheers
) and highlights Jenkins’ emerging talent and his ability to create a captivating story. In this full-length film, Sorbo receives increased screen time, providing him with a great chance to demonstrate his emotional depth as an actor.
Hercules
series didn’t call for.
‘The Shift’ (2023)
Executive Producer
Loosely based on the Biblical story of Job,
The Shift
is a mystery thriller that follows a man on a journey across multiple dimensions and realities as he tries to get back to his wife.
Neal McDonough
is
good at being bad
and he is recognized for his antagonistic characters in movies and television series like
Arrow
and
Tulsa King
. In
The Shift,
He portrays a enigmatic figure referred to as “The Benefactor” and delivers an impressive spy-like acting.
The Shift
represents a significant departure from the typical genres explored by Jenkins as it ventures into new territory.
sci-fi
Moreover, it explores dystopian themes. The series features impressive action scenes along with unexpected plot twists. Viewers from various genre preferences will find enjoyment in watching this.
The Shift
As it mixes aspects of romance,
action
, and suspense.
“The Rebirth of Gavin Stone” (2017)
Director
The Rebirth of Gavin Stone
is a cheerful movie that demonstrates
Jenkins excels at both comedy and drama.
The narrative revolves around Gavin Stone (
Brett Dalton
), an actor seeing his career begin to wane. When Gavin is compelled to perform community service at a nearby church following the destruction of a hotel room, he doesn’t realize how profoundly this experience will alter him compared to what he initially expected.
The elements of humor, wit, and the rapport among the actors lend a gentle appeal to the film, making it quite enjoyable.
Neil Flynn
(
Scrubs
) and
WWE
wrestler
Shawn Michaels
excel in their parts and
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
infuses her finely tuned wit into the female lead, Kelly. The movie includes several humorous, modestly critical scenes and strikes a balance between taking itself seriously and enjoying lighter moments, blending poignant sequences with more relaxed ones.
“Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night” (2023)
Writer, Director, Executive Producer
Christmas with The Chosen: A Sacred Evening
is a full-length movie that resulted from the combination of two short films.
Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers
(2021) and
The Shepherd: A Tale of the First Christmas
(2023). Viewers who are fans of Jenkins’ highly popular television show will delight in recognizing some well-known characters reprising their roles as
Elizabeth Tabish
as Mary Magdalene and
Raj Bond
as Joseph.
Jenkins infuses his distinctive touch into the recounting of the cherished Christmas narrative in this distinct endeavor. Viewers acquainted with his body of work will surely savor the nuances he adds.
Jenkins is recognized for incorporating fresh perspectives and engaging cultural settings.
.
Christmas with The Chosen: A Sacred Evening
also includes a showcase by the unparalleled
Andrea Bocelli
, emphasizing Jenkins’ admiration for
music
and his ability to incorporate other facets of the performing arts into his films.
‘Jonathan & Jesus’ (2024–)
Executive Producer
Directed by
Daniel H.A. Stewart
,
Jonathan & Jesus
is a documentary-style series that follows actor
Jonathan Roumie
as he depicts Jesus in Jenkins’ renowned TV series
The Chosen
The show includes backstage scenes and conversations with legendary figures from the industry such as
Alice Cooper
as well as appearances from prominent figures in the Christian community like
Francis Chan
and
Pope Francis
.
Jonathan & Jesus
is an incredibly captivating thorough exploration
into what it means
For an actor to portray someone
That holds immeasurable importance. Roumie openly discusses what this experience has meant to him both personally and professionally, and how it has shaped his journey as an actor.
Taking on a singular role may influence not just how others perceive you, but also how you view yourself.
It makes for a highly engaging viewing experience particularly appealing to enthusiasts of the series as well as moviegoers at large.
“The Greatest Christmas Play of All Time” (2024)
Director, Executive Producer
The holiday season often tends to exacerbate tensions related to interpersonal relationships. And Grace,
Judy Greer
she receives more than her fair share when an unexpectedly diverse group of youngsters choose to participate in her church’s traditional yearly Christmas pageant.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
. Unlike other
Christmas movies
that focus on superficial themes of presents, food, or decorating competitions,
The Most Wonderful Christmas Play Ever
is centered
about weightier subjects such as belief, kindness towards one another, and understanding
.
Directing is not an easy feat for anyone undertaking it.
a powerful portrayal by the younger performers
, particularly since a significant portion of the plot hinges on the development of these characters. The charming, sincere, and emotionally powerful portrayals delivered by the younger actors deserve recognition. Jenkins ought to be applauded for his ability to achieve this, placing him among the select group of directors capable of mastering such an endeavor.
Steven Spielberg
in
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
or
Andrew Adamson
in
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
.
‘Midnight Clear’ (2006)
Director, Producer
The film
Midnight Clear
holds an additional layer of personal appeal for Jenkins since it is
inspired by the book with the same title authored by his father
Jenkins similarly helmed a shorter piece inspired by the book in 2005, laying down the groundwork for what would become the full-length movie.
Midnight Clear
It is a connected ensemble of individual narratives where a homeless alcoholic, an isolated elderly lady, a beleaguered wife and mother, a corner store proprietor, and a youthful volunteer cross paths and enhance one another’s existence.
As a director, Jenkins worked alongside
Stephen Baldwin
is dynamic. Baldwin, renowned for his eccentric and humorous performances in movies like
The Flintstones
or
The Usual Suspects
delivers
an outstanding dramatic portrayal as Lefty
, a man grappling with numerous personal struggles. Baldwin’s profound presence and his gentle approach toward the character exemplify how effective direction can uncover subtle nuances within an actor’s performance. The entire supporting cast also delivers outstanding performances, featuring other seasoned professionals from various forms of media such as
K Callan
(
Knives Out
,
Veep
) and
Kirk B.R. Woller
(
The Chosen
,
The X Files
The movie garnered six prizes at various national film festivals and is a lesser-known treasure worthy of being sought out.
‘The Chosen’ (2017–)
Writer, Director, Executive Producer
When discussing his groundbreaking and record-breaking television series, it’s clear that attributing Dallas Jenkins’ name to the project stands out as a justly earned accolade.
The Chosen
. Inspired by the story of Jesus (Roumie)
The Chosen
aimed at setting itself apart
From other religion-inspired biographical films, this one stands out due to its thoughtful scripting and dedication to accuracy.
.
The remarkably skilled ensemble features performers like
Shahar Isaac
,
Paras Patel
, Elizabeth Tabish,
George H. Xanthis
, and
Noah James
The show’s innovative approach to cultural settings infuses history with new vitality, something that hadn’t been achieved previously. It possesses
remarkable 9.1 score on IMDb
and set records in 2019 to achieve
the largest media initiative funded by the public in history
The show that began as a labor of love transformed into an international sensation and continues to thrive, with fresh installments scheduled for release later this year.
The Chosen
Keeps enchanting crowds worldwide, with numerous spectators eagerly anticipating which fresh and innovative concept Jenkins will apply his skills to next.
UP NEXT: 15 Films to Check Out If You’re a Fan of ‘The Chosen’