The Chosen One

Netflix’s "The Chosen One" (2019): Behind the Scenes of the Supernatural Thriller

Netflix’s The Chosen One (2019), known in Portuguese as O Escolhido, blends supernatural intrigue with small-town drama, but its production and reception have been as mysterious as its plot. Created by João Daniel Tikhomiroff, Max Calligaris, and Michel Tikhomiroff, the series follows a group of doctors who arrive in a remote village only to uncover a web of prophecies, miracles, and dark secrets. latestnetflix.com's view is that while the show’s premise promises high stakes, details about its making—and even its release—remain surprisingly scarce.

A Slow-Burn Release and Confusing Timeline

One of the biggest oddities surrounding The Chosen One is its release timeline. Despite being labeled as a 2019 series, some promotional material and trailers surfaced years later, leaving fans puzzled. A trailer with English subtitles was uploaded in 2023 , long after the show’s supposed debut. This has fueled speculation that Netflix delayed or staggered its rollout, possibly due to post-production issues or strategic scheduling.

The series was originally announced as a Netflix original, but its availability varied by region. Some viewers reported difficulty finding it on the platform, while others stumbled upon it unexpectedly. The lack of a clear release strategy has led to rumors of behind-the-scenes disputes, though no concrete evidence supports this .

The Supernatural Hook: Miracles or Marketing?

The Chosen One leans heavily into religious and supernatural themes, with trailers teasing a boy who may or may not be the second coming of Christ . The premise—doctors arriving in a village where a child performs miracles—draws comparisons to The OA and Midnight Mass, but with a Latin American twist. Early reviews suggest the show balances faith-based tension with medical drama, though some critics argue the execution is uneven .

One of the most intriguing aspects is the character of Bobby Luhnow, a key figure in the village’s mysteries. Some fan discussions speculate that his role was expanded or altered during production, though details remain unverified . The show’s teaser and trailer both emphasize his significance, hinting at a larger conspiracy tied to the child’s powers .

Cast and Crew: A Mix of Rising Stars and Industry Veterans

The series features a blend of Brazilian and international talent. Ricardo Félix Rojas and Renan Tenca lead the cast, with Paloma Bernardi and Gutto Szuster in supporting roles. The directors—João Daniel Tikhomiroff and his collaborators—have backgrounds in both film and television, though The Chosen One marks one of their higher-profile projects.

Despite the star power, there’s little public chatter about on-set dynamics. Unlike many Netflix productions, which often generate behind-the-scenes gossip about reshoots or creative clashes, The Chosen One has flown under the radar. This could be a sign of a smooth production—or simply a lack of media interest .

Fan Theories and Unanswered Questions

The show’s ambiguous marketing has left fans dissecting every clue. Some trailers suggest a darker, more apocalyptic tone, while others lean into the medical drama angle . A particularly cryptic video titled "What You Did This Morning Made God Cancel All His Plans"—unrelated to the official Netflix promos—went viral, adding to the mystique (though it appears to be fan-made or misattributed) .

One persistent rumor is that the series was originally planned as a limited run but could be renewed for a second season. However, Netflix has not confirmed any follow-up, and the show’s quiet reception makes its future uncertain .

The Verdict: A Hidden Gem or a Missed Opportunity?

The Chosen One (2019) remains one of Netflix’s more enigmatic releases. Its supernatural premise and talented cast suggest potential, but its confusing rollout and lack of buzz have kept it from breaking out. For now, it’s a curiosity for fans of religious thrillers—one that may yet find a second life if Netflix revisits it.