“Jesus Revolution” Co-Director on Why Lonnie Frisbee’s Sexuality Didn’t Make the Film

Boomers might have immediately recognized Lonnie Frisbee, but for everyone else, it was the actor portraying him who was most familiar.

Jesus Revolution, a film re-telling of the Jesus Movement of the ’70s and ’80s, takes the elders of the present to their past, while successfully attracting the youth of the current generation.

The Christian film follows evangelical pastor Chuck Smith and hippie street preacher Lonnie as their opposite worlds come together for a common purpose, yet collide at the height of revival.

California’s Harvest Church pastor, Greg Laurie, is also portrayed in this film, having been Chuck’s protege.

Greg is the only living of the three, and he, along with Chuck, might be the most familiar of the trio. Of the men, it is Lonnie, played by The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, that is the most peculiar.

As the film is based on a true story, audience members will certainly Google the men to discover their real-life stories, including their more evidential transgressions. Greg’s were displayed on-screen, while Lonnie’s were notably left from the film.

The film’s co-director Brent McCorkle spoke to us at Bravely Daily to reveal why Lonnie’s reported homosexual struggles were left out of the biopic, as well as Jonathan’s method acting madness.

He also discussed the importance of Jesus’ love for us, and how the film is relevant now more than ever. For the full story, check out the video at the beginning of this article.

Be sure to see the film in theaters, out now. Get tickets here.

You can also get the book here.

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