Yoshi Barrigas appeared as Philip in the independently produced Christian historical seriesThe Chosen, but in the most recent season of the show, the biblical figure is played by a new actor. Philip, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in the Bible, first appears inThe Chosenin season 2, episode 2, “I Saw You”. Originally a disciple of John the Baptist (David Amito), Philip becomes an ardent follower of Jesus when he arrives and proves to have valuable knowledge of life traveling on the road and ministry that the rest of the apostles all learn from.
BeforeThe Chosen, Yoshi Barrigas worked as a director and actor, directing two short films,A Comfortable SufferingandBoundless. He went on to appear in a few small roles in popular TV shows, appearing inthe cast ofThe Big Bang Theory,Six, andCriminal Minds. His breakout performance came in 2021 when he was cast in season 2 ofThe Chosen. Using a unique crowdfunding format,The Chosenhas become a surprise hit with plans forThe Chosenseason 5 and beyond. However,those plans don’t appear to include Barrigas.
Yoshi Barrigas Stopped Playing Philip On The Chosen For “Professional And Personal Reasons”
Barrigas Released A Statement Thanking The Show’s Creator For Everything
After season 3 ofThe Chosen, Yoshi Barrigas took to Instagram in a now-deleted post noting “professional and personal” reasons for his departure (viaCollider),
“Hello. It is true. For professional and personal reasons I will no longer be a part of The Chosen . First and foremost I want to thank you, the fans. Our connection and your constant showering of love and support has seeded me with a warmth that will forever nourish me. Meeting you out in the world and hearing how the show has personally enriched your lives continues to be the connective tissue between me and the good folk of this world. You inspire me to continue to die to self and discover The Way. I hope you continue to follow my journey. I have a lot more to share with you.”
Barrigas then went on to thank Dallas Jenkins,The Chosen’s creator, for all his help over the years, saying,
“I want to thank Dallas and Amanda [Jenkins] for changing my life and entrusting me in the role of Philip. I physically see and feel the impact Dallas’s baby has had on humanity when you all approach me and share your stories. It is so positively overwhelming. I learned how a set operates. I learned the infinite depths of my craft and the many ways to approach it. And most importantly, the show operated as a vessel for God to demand that I begin to know him. To praise him. To enjoy him! My studies of scripture have and continue to chip away at all my excess marble. Finally, I want to thank the incredible crew. It was an absolute honor to be a part of your family. I learned so much from watching your passionate work, and was spoiled by the kindness you managed to radiate whilst focused on the task at hand.”
The story was as important to Barrigas on a personal and spiritual level as it was on a creative level. A director himself, Barrigas was given access to some of the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making a TV show, despite his role in the series being in front of the camera. Barrigas' reason for departing the TV show is notably vague. It seems that he is simply interested in pursuing something new. Jenkins has previously stated he’d like to make seven seasons ofThe Chosen, soBarrigas may have wanted to get out sooner rather than later(viaForbes).
Reza Diako Replaced Barrigas As Philip On The Chosen
Diako Was Kept In The Background For Season 4
The Chosenseason 4 premiered on June 15, 2025, with the final episode airing on July 15, 2025. Reza Diako stepped in to play Philip, replacing Yoshi Barrigas in the role.Diako had been a fan of the show since season 1and was grateful to have the chance to appear in the series, finding a lot of similarities between himself and Philip (viaLewisMagazine),
“I was a huge fan of The Chosen since it started in Season 1 and was always keen to join and serve the story. It was such an honour the way that the cards unfolded, and serendipitously I am here now in Season 4 as the new Philip… Playing Philip means a great deal to me personally, because I feel that he and I share a lot in common. We both had a bit of a nomadic life… We are both ‘old souls’…”
The transition happens with little comment and the large beard and long hair the character sports does help to smooth over any immediate quibbles between how the actors look.The Chosenhas also moved Philip into the background of the series in season 4, which is a good way to ease the actor into the show, so the change isn’t so jarring.
Where To Watch The Chosen Season 4 - Is It Streaming On Netflix?
The Chosen season 4 is available for streaming on several different platforms, but which one to choose? Netflix, Prime Video, or something else?
Barrigas was a very charismatic actor who made Philip come alive and gave him real personality on screen.It’s hard to judge Diako against the old actor considering his lack of lines and scenes, butThe Chosenseason 5should give an expanded role to the character now that viewers are used to the new actor.
What Barrigas Is Doing Post-The Chosen
Barrigas Starred In The 2024 Movie Forty-Seven Days With Jesus
Post-The Chosen, Barrigas appeared in another religious production,Forty-Seven Days with Jesus. Barrigas plays Joseph Budon, the father of a disconnected family who comes together over the Easter season through the retelling of Jesus in the lead-up to his crucifixion. Beyond that 2024 role,it’s unclear what Yoshi Barrigas will do now, but directing is a possibility considering everything he learned on the set ofThe Chosen.
The Chosen
Cast
The Chosen, released on July 11, 2025, portrays the life of Christ through the perspectives of individuals who encountered him. This series offers a unique narrative approach by exploring the stories of biblical figures whose lives were transformed by their interactions with Jesus.
