Former Disney Executive Drives Global Translation of ‘The Chosen’ into 600 Languages

Former Disney Executive Drives Global Translation of ‘The Chosen’ into 600 Languages

A former Disney executive, renowned for protecting the integrity of beloved characters, is now channeling his skills into a faith-based television series. Rick Dempsey, who served as the Senior Vice President of Creative at Walt Disney Studios, is working to make ‘The Chosen‘ accessible to viewers worldwide.

Dempsey dedicated 35 years to ensuring character consistency across Disney projects. Hired by Roy E. Disney in 1988, he played a vital role in preserving the voices of iconic figures such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. His expertise in localization and translation helped lay the foundation for Disney Character Voices International, a division that managed dubbing and global distribution for Disney and Pixar films.

A Spiritual Mission in the Entertainment Industry

Beyond his professional achievements, Dempsey approached his work at Disney as a calling. He consistently sought ways to weave his Christian faith into a predominantly secular environment. A notable example includes his involvement in adapting C.S. Lewis’ ‘Chronicles of Narnia‘ series for the big screen.

In 2023, as he announced his retirement, a serendipitous encounter in Hawaii opened the door to his next chapter. While enjoying shaved ice on a beach, Dempsey struck up a conversation with a stranger who turned out to be connected to the Come and See Foundation. This organization aims to ensure global access to ‘The Chosen‘ through its dedicated app.

Leading Localization Efforts for ‘The Chosen’

In his role as Senior Vice President of Creative and Global Localization for the Come and See Foundation, Dempsey is spearheading initiatives to translate the series into an impressive 600 languages. He describes this endeavor as a monumental challenge, especially when compared to his work at Disney, where his most significant project involved localizing the two ‘Frozen‘ films for over 40 languages.

However, the stakes are different when it comes to translating a faith-based series. Each translation must maintain theological accuracy, which means collaborating directly with theologians before work begins on a new language. This commitment to authenticity sets ‘The Chosen‘ apart from traditional entertainment projects.

Current Progress and Global Impact

As of now, ‘The Chosen‘ has been made available in 70 languages, with ongoing efforts to expand this number significantly. Dempsey regards this project as a global mission that brings the Gospel to individuals in even the most inaccessible regions.

In challenging areas like the Middle East, where access to Bibles is severely limited, the series offers a unique solution. Dempsey explains how this initiative allows people to encounter Jesus in powerful new ways, even in regions where traditional distribution of religious texts is restricted.

Encouraging a Deeper Connection with Faith

Dempsey hopes that viewers who engage with ‘The Chosen‘ will feel inspired to explore the Bible in their native languages. He envisions that the series will serve as a bridge, guiding individuals toward their local churches.

By speaking to audiences in their heart languages, the series aims to foster personal connections with spirituality. Dempsey remarks, “We’re introducing Jesus to a lot of people, and he’s speaking in their heart language. This has really never been done before, except for perhaps the 1979 ‘Jesus‘ film.”

Breaking Records and Making History

Last year, the Come and See Foundation announced that ‘The Chosen‘ had set a new record, becoming the most-translated television show in history. With over 50 dubbed versions completed, this achievement speaks volumes about the team’s dedication to bringing the series to a global audience.

As the translation efforts continue, Dempsey and his team remain steadfast in their mission to reach a billion people. They believe that this accessibility can transform lives, as stories of personal transformation and spiritual awakening surface from viewers who participate in this new global movement.

Through his journey from Disney to the world of faith-based media, Rick Dempsey embodies a powerful narrative of how dedicated individuals can make substantial impacts in both entertainment and spirituality. His leadership in translating ‘The Chosen‘ showcases a commitment to providing visibility and access to faith narratives, bridging cultural gaps while inspiring countless lives around the globe.