Jonathan Roumie trades his iconic sandals for dress shoes to star as a caring therapist in the romantic comedy Solo Mio in Rome

Jonathan Roumie, best known for his iconic portrayal of Jesus in the hit series The Chosen, is stepping into a very different role in the upcoming movie Solo Mio, hitting theaters February 6.

After years of playing spiritually heavy roles, Roumie is trading the robes for something lighter: a romantic comedy set in the heart of Rome.

For fans, it’s a surprising shift.

Roumie first became widely recognized as Jesus in 2019, and in 2023, he took on the real-life role of evangelical pastor Lonnie Frisbee in Jesus Revolution.

Now, audiences will see him as Neil, a would-be therapist navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery — a first non-faith-based character for the actor.

“It was a lovely change of pace for me,” Roumie told EWTN News.

“It was nice to play a character that isn’t shouldering the weight of the world.”

A Comedy of Friendship and Missed Honeymoons

Solo Mio, rated PG, follows Kevin James as Matt Taylor, an art teacher whose wedding falls apart at the altar.

Determined not to waste his nonrefundable honeymoon in Rome, Matt embarks on the trip alone, meeting other travelers who share their wisdom and camaraderie along the way — including Neil, played by Roumie, and Julian, portrayed by Kim Coates.

The movie blends romantic mishaps with heartfelt friendships, creating a story about human connection, healing, and rediscovery.

Roumie’s character, a gentle and empathetic therapist, becomes a key figure in helping others navigate their emotional journeys, echoing some of the themes audiences know him for in The Chosen.

A Friendship That Sparked a Role

Roumie’s collaboration with Kevin James goes beyond the screen.

The two first met during a Lenten spiritual retreat, forming a friendship grounded in shared faith.

Two years later, James personally invited Roumie to join the project.

“I said, ‘I’d do anything you’re doing. Whatever you’re doing, if you want me in it, I’d be honored to be in it,’” Roumie recalled.

“I just love him, I love his heart, and getting to know him as a man of faith made me confident this project would be good.”

This off-screen bond translates into an authentic on-screen chemistry that highlights the importance of genuine friendships and mentorship — something Roumie says resonates deeply with the broader story of male camaraderie.

Exploring the Heart of Male Friendships

One of the central themes of Solo Mio is the value of male friendships — a concept Roumie says is often overlooked in modern media.

“For whatever reason, culture has painted a negative picture of masculinity,” he explained.

“Stories rarely show men as good, supportive, and emotionally present, which is why portraying healthy male friendships is so important.”

Roumie points to his character’s desire to help others as a bridge to his portrayal of Jesus: “Neil wants to help people heal.

That’s his thing. And so does Jesus. That’s where they connect — through compassion and heart.”

He sees this film as a nod to classic storytelling: wholesome, meaningful, and designed to resonate with audiences across generations.

Balancing Faith and Career Choices

Even with this departure from explicitly faith-based roles, Roumie assures fans that his choices remain aligned with his personal mission and ministry.

“There will be people who might be nervous because they only want to see me as Jesus,” he admitted.

“To them, I say: It’s OK. The film stays true to the ethos of the projects I’m passionate about, and it reflects the spirit of the work I feel called to do.”

Roumie’s approach reflects a careful balance of artistic exploration and spiritual integrity, proving that actors can diversify while staying true to their values.

What’s Next?

After Solo Mio, Roumie has expressed interest in exploring more roles that challenge him while staying within his moral compass.

He has hinted at potentially more secular roles that emphasize human connection, mentorship, or emotional healing — areas he’s passionate about.

For Solo Mio, audiences can expect heartfelt laughter, unexpected friendships, and a story that reminds viewers of the value of kindness and support in everyday life.

Summary

Jonathan Roumie is stepping away from faith-centered roles to explore his first secular character in the romantic comedy Solo Mio.

Playing Neil, a compassionate aspiring therapist, Roumie navigates humor, friendship, and emotional growth alongside Kevin James.

The film highlights themes of male camaraderie, human connection, and personal healing, staying true to Roumie’s heart-centered values.

Fans can expect a lighthearted yet meaningful story, a testament to Roumie’s versatility and commitment to wholesome storytelling.