‘The Chosen’ Star Luke Dimyan Shares the Heart-Wrenching Story Behind Judas’ Betrayal (EXCLUSIVE)
A behind-the-scenes look at Luke Dimyan’s journey playing Judas
It’s no spoiler alert to say that Judas is one of the Bible’s most controversial characters. For two millennia, the Disciple has been labeled a villain, a disgrace, a betrayer. In Season 5 of The Chosen, Luke Dimyan delivers an emotional performance playing the tough role in the beloved hit show.
In this exclusive Q&A with Woman’s World, the actor sheds light on how he brought authenticity, heart and a new perspective to the role as one of history’s most infamous figures.
Dimyan dives into the internal struggle that defines his journey and the challenge of meeting expectations. From the audition to the emotional toll of filming pivotal moments like the Last Supper, Dimyan’s reflections offer a deeply personal glimpse into his process.
Here, the actor shares his thoughts behind his role as one of the Bible’s most complex characters and the complexity of faith, doubt, and redemption through Judas’ eyes.
Woman’s World: What was the most difficult part of portraying the internal conflict of Judas—being both a disciple and someone who ultimately betrays Jesus?
Luke Dimyan: Honestly, the hardest part wasn’t the character work. The script gives a very natural progression of distrust and frustration. So as a performer, you can naturally build that arc over time. It unfolds beautifully over the course of three seasons. What’s actually the hardest part is knowing that every scene I’m in will be scrutinized by fans. Everyone’s watching to find faults in Judas, to look for signs of betrayal.
I’m a stubborn actor, and I didn’t want to make it that easy. I didn’t want people to see him as “the bad guy” right away. I wanted viewers to be conflicted — to see someone who truly loves Jesus and the people around him, and still ends up betraying them. That emotional conflict should stay with you from the beginning of his story until the very end. His story deserves more respect than just being reduced to “the one who betrays.”
WW: When you were cast as Judas, did you have any concerns about playing such a controversial role? What was your initial reaction?
LD: Actually, it was a sigh of relief. I had also auditioned for Philip, but once I read for Judas, I thought, I hope it’s this or nothing. It sounds selfish, but as a performer, I wanted that challenge. This is an infamous, weighty role. It gave me the chance to really show what I can do.
Also, growing up Coptic Orthodox, I’ve seen a lot of faith-based media, and in my view, it often falls into two categories: VeggieTales and everything else that isn’t worth watching. I was hesitant. But playing Judas felt freeing. I didn’t feel pressured to preach or promote anything. I could focus entirely on the craft, just act, create a character that’s real, conflicted, and deeply human.
WW: How did you manage the emotional weight of playing such a critical role, especially on set each day?
LD: I’m naturally a jokester. I like bringing levity to the set, even when it’s not always appropriate — like cracking a joke in the middle of a heavy scene. That’s my way of coping.
But when the weight gets heavy, I lean on the cast. Noah James (who plays Andrew), Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), Amber Shana Williams (Tamar), Giavani Cairo (Thaddeus), Joey Vahedi (Thomas) are all more than coworkers. They’re true friends. When things get tough, they’re right there behind me, literally and emotionally. This cast is incredibly humble and supportive, and that kind of camaraderie isn’t common on most sets.
WW: Are there any specific scenes that stood out to you emotionally during filming?
LD: The day we filmed the Last Supper, when Judas leaves the table — that was incredibly emotional. I realized it was my last day filming with the full group of disciples. For three years, we’d all been together almost every day. Even if we weren’t speaking in a scene, we were there in the heat, in the sand, in the background, together.
That day, Jordan Walker Ross (Little James) came up to me and asked, “Is this your last day?” And when I said yes, the entire atmosphere changed. Giavani stopped what he was doing. Noah wouldn’t even look at me — he just squeezed my shoulder so tightly. Abe Bueno-Jallad (Big James), George H. Xanthis (John), Joey Vahedi (Thomas), Austin Reed Alleman (Nathaniel) all hugged me and said something heartfelt.
It was unexpected and overwhelming. It made me realize just how much these relationships matter. Not just as actors, but as people. That day, I felt the emotional weight not just of the role, but of leaving behind a brotherhood.
WW: That scene makes Judas’ betrayal even more heartbreaking. He’s not just giving up Jesus, but his entire community. Do you think the show reflects that well?
LD: Totally. And in future seasons, you’ll really see that the betrayal isn’t born from hatred or malice. It’s more complicated. It’s a combination of fear, anxiety, and a deep but flawed resolve.
Judas honestly believes he’s doing what’s best — for Jesus. For the people of Israel. For the mission. His desperation takes over, and he essentially says, “Fine, I’ll do it myself.” That’s where his villainy — if you can call it that — really comes from. It’s not cartoonish evil. It’s a misguided sense of urgency and importance. And honestly, I think a lot of people could find themselves making similar choices in his shoes.
WW: The show doesn’t shy away from exploring doubt. How do you think it handles the tension between faith and uncertainty, especially through Judas’ story?
LD: I think it handles it beautifully. It’s not about losing faith. It’s about losing safety in faith. Judas still believes, but he starts losing trust in Jesus’ direction. It’s very human.
The show captures how doubt creeps in slowly. Like when someone close to you forgets your birthday — not enough to end the relationship, but enough to make you question your expectations. Judas doesn’t stop believing. He just starts defending himself from the possibility of disappointment. And that’s incredibly relatable.
We often view biblical stories with hindsight — like, “Moses struck the rock, what a dummy.” But these moments are deeply human. We all experience doubt, fear, loss — and Judas is a character who has known real loss. Orphaned, forced into survival mode, trying to find something meaningful in a chaotic world.
His fall isn’t just about betrayal. It’s about someone who was trying so hard to hold on that he accidentally choked the very thing he loved.
WW: That’s incredibly profound. Any final thoughts about what you hope audiences take away from your portrayal?
LD: I hope people don’t see Judas as just “the betrayer.” I hope they feel torn. I hope they ask themselves what they would’ve done. I hope they see a human being — full of hope, flaws, and love, and who makes a devastating mistake.
And I hope it reminds people that faith isn’t simple. That doubt is part of the journey. And that even in the darkest choices, there’s something worth understanding and something worth redeeming.
Where to watch ‘The Chosen’ Season 5
The first two episodes of The Chosen Season 5 arrived to Prime Video on June 15, and the rest of the series will be rolled out throughout June.
See the full release schedule here:
- Part 1 (episodes 1 and 2): June 15
- Part 2 (episodes 3-5): June 22
- Part 3 (episodes 6-8): June 29
For international viewers, The Chosen Season 5 will be available in July, following the schedule here:
- Part 1 (episodes 1 and 2): July 13
- Part 2 (episodes 3-5): July 20
- Part 3 (episodes 6-8): July 27
Stream Season 5 to watch the drama of Judas’ betrayal unfold in The Chosen’s most dramatic, heart-wrenching season yet!
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