Key Highlights
- Jonathan Roumie switches from his Jesus role in a new romantic comedy.
- The movie “Solo Mio” is set to release on February 6, 2026.
- Roumie portrays Neil, a wannabe therapist who plays the opposite of his usual faith-based roles.
- Kevin James stars alongside Roumie and Kim Coates in the film.
Jonathan Roumie’s New Chapter: From Jesus to Rom-Com
So you think all actors have a single career trajectory? Think again. Jonathan Roumie, known for his role as Jesus in The Chosen, is making quite the transition into what you might call the “wholesome” realm of rom-coms.
But wait, there’s more to it than meets the eye. In an interview with EWTN News, Roumie shared that this new project was a delightful change of pace for him. “It was lovely,” he said, “and nice not to be shouldering the weight of the world.”
A New Role, A New Direction
And boy, is it a new direction. “Solo Mio” (which means “Alone with Me” in Italian) stars Kevin James as Matt Taylor, an art teacher left at the altar who decides to go on his non-refundable honeymoon despite no longer being in a relationship. He encounters Neil and Julian, played by Roumie and Kim Coates respectively. These characters offer friendship and advice throughout Matt’s journey. Roumie’s character, Neil, is described as a wannabe therapist with a heart for helping people heal—quite the departure from his previous roles. “I think that’s where they can kind of connect in that way,” Roumie explained about his character’s similarity to Jesus. “Both have huge hearts.”
A Personal Connection
Roumie’s journey into this project was personal and meaningful. He became friends with Kevin James during a Lenten spiritual retreat. Two years later, James reached out with the pitch for the movie. “I said, ‘I’d do anything you’re doing,’“ Roumie recounted.
This new role is more than just a change of scenery; it’s a reflection of the evolving Hollywood landscape where even Jesus-actors can play therapists and rom-com heroes. It’s not always easy to break away from your brand, but Roumie seems to have done so with grace.
The Wholesome Debate
But here’s the million-dollar question: Is “wholesome” just a marketing spin? You might think this is new, but the idea of a faith-based actor stepping into mainstream rom-coms isn’t exactly groundbreaking. It’s more about finding that balance between what resonates with one’s personal journey and what speaks to broader audiences.
Roumie sees it as a throwback to storytelling from another era—when movies had great stories and were beloved by generations. “It’s within the ethos of the projects that appeal to me,” he said, adding, “It’s within the spirit of the work God has put me on this Earth to do.”
And so, here we are—watching a former Jesus play therapist in a rom-com. It’s not just Roumie’s journey; it’s a testament to how Hollywood is willing to embrace diverse roles and actors. But can you really compare Neil with Jesus?
Well, maybe for some it’s a stretch. But the heart of helping people heal—the universal theme—remains constant, regardless of your faith or role on screen.
