"For professional and personal reasons": When The Chosen star Yoshi Barrigas revealed why he is leaving the drama show 

The Chosen Season 4 witnesses a major casting change as actor Yoshi Barrigas, who played the character of Philip, exited the series. Instead, the role had been taken over by Reza Diako. This comes as a surprise to fans, despite the show creators not having said anything to explain the reasons behind.

Yoshi recently posted on Instagram only to delete it after some time and cited some professional and personal reasons for stepping away. The post read,

"Hello. It is true. For professional and personal reasons, I will no longer be a part of The Chosen."

Read on to know what else the actor expressed in the post and explore the reasons behind the exit.

Here is why Yoshi Barrigas exited The Chosen, reasons behind the exit explored

As mentioned, the makers have not opened up about the details regarding the actor's exit, but in an Instagram post, Barrigas confirmed the news and thanked his fans.

"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 have 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."

While no controversy or conflict has been made public, recasts like this often happen due to some scheduling conflicts or creative differences. It can be speculated that the actor might have desires for a career change. The show chose to continue Philip’s character arc rather than writing him out, which suggests Philip remains important to the plot, and recasting was a creative necessity.

The character of Philip in The Chosen was introduced in season 2 episode 2 and is portrayed as a warm and grounded follower of John the Baptist who joins Jesus and the disciples. His background in ministry and life on the road made him a valuable mentor to newer disciples like Matthew.

Barrigas further expressed gratitude to the director and showrunner of The Chosen

Yoshi Barrigas credits the director and showrunner Dallas Jenkins with giving him the opportunity that helped shape not just his career but also his personal and spiritual life.

"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."

He further added that the show has been a way for him to gain more spiritual knowledge and get closer to god.

"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."

He also thanked the crew for making him learn so much during the production and shooting of The Chosen. The set experience was like a professional training ground for him.

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Though Yoshi Barrigas won’t return as Philip, he parts with love and gratitude, not conflict or controversy. His departure marks the end of a powerful chapter but also hints at new creative and spiritual projects ahead. With Reza Diako now taking over, the character of Philip continues, but Yoshi’s legacy remains beloved by fans and the team alike.

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