Disney+ has “risen in the ranks of streaming royalty,” according to Inside the Magic. Given that Disney has faced backlash from critics for controversial pro-LGBT content marketed to children, Inside the Magic notes that “an adaptation of the life of Jesus Christ might be the last addition some were expecting.”
“The Chosen,” the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus that takes viewers into the lives of those who were by His side, has gained popularity over the years. Season four debuted in theatres nationwide in February, placing second at the box office during its opening weekend.
“The Chosen” got its start through crowdfunding. It was originally distributed by Angel Studios and is now distributed by Lionsgate, one of Hollywood’s biggest entertainment distributors.
Disney purchased Hulu from Comcast for $8.6 billion in November, opening the door for several R-rated films and mature TV series to be viewed on Disney’s once child-focused app.
Inside The Magic described Disney’s embrace of “The Chosen” as “an easy cash grab” and a potential attempt to win back conservative subscribers to a platform that also features more adult-oriented projects such as “American Horror Story” and “Rick and Morty.”
