DALLAS – CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS debuted as No. 1 at the box office on its first two nights and No. 4 through the weekend. CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS is extending through December 12 in many theaters across the country.

The special, in-cinemas-only event from the creators of the global phenomenon The Chosen featured an entirely new, standalone episode and performances from an extraordinary lineup of Christian artists.

“The Chosen was birthed from my biggest career failure when few people showed up in theaters for my previous film,” said The Chosen creator, Dallas Jenkins. “To sit in a theater full of people clapping and crying for Christmas music with an episode of a TV show about Jesus was an overwhelming experience.” 

The special episode tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of Joseph and Mary and can be enjoyed by those who are not familiar with the first two seasons of the series. “We’re excited to confirm that this special event will now be in theaters through December 12 in most locations,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. Please check your local theater for details.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS broke sales records for the distributor, Fathom Events, which released it in 1,700 movie theaters nationwide recording sales topping $10 million for 800,000 tickets sold.

The event also set a Fathom record for fastest out-of-the-gate sales with $1.5 million in its first 12 hours of availability.

In addition to the new, standalone episode of The Chosen, the roster of performers joining CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS included:

• Phil Wickham
• Maverick City Music
• For King and Country
• Brandon Lake
• Cain
• Leanna Crawford
• Jordan Feliz
• Dawson Hollow
• Matt Maher
• One Voice Children's Choir
• The Bonner Family
• Bryan and Katie Torwalt
• We The Kingdom
• Actors from The Chosen cast performing monologues:
• Austin Reed Alleman (Nathaniel) 
• Giavani Cairo (Thaddeus)
• Luke Dimyan (Judas)
• Lara Silva (Eden)

The first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, viewers may choose to “pay It forward” to support each season. So far, The Chosen’s worldwide audience has paid forward $40 million to completely fund seasons one and two, with season three in pre-production. The Chosen is produced by Loaves & Fishes Productions and distributed by Angel Studios.

For interviews, contact:  Monique Sondag | Monique@130a.com | 214-536-4319