House of David, Amazon Prime Video’s latest project, brings the legendary biblical story to life. It offers a fresh look at the shepherd who became Israel’s greatest king.
Released on February 27, 2025, the series delves deep into David’s journey. It follows his humble beginnings, his epic battle with Goliath, and beyond.
House of David: A Modern Retelling of an Ancient Tale
House of David explores the lesser-known aspects of David’s life beyond his famous battle with Goliath. The series highlights his early struggles and key relationships. Co-directors Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn bring these historical figures to life.
Their storytelling makes David’s journey relatable to modern audiences. Erwin emphasizes David’s complex path. He says, “David and Goliath symbolizes bravery and underdog triumph, but David’s full journey to greatness remains largely unknown.”
David’s story goes beyond one battle. His journey is about growth, perseverance, and becoming the person he was meant to be.
Stellar Cast Brings Characters to Life in House of David
The series boasts a diverse and talented cast, bringing authenticity and depth to the biblical figures:
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Michael Iskander as David
After a four-month global search, Iskander landed the lead role. Known for Kimberly Akimbo, he portrays David’s transformation from a young shepherd to a revered leader.
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Ali Suliman as King Saul
Recognized for his work in “Jack Ryan,” Suliman portrays the complex character of Saul, the once-mighty king whose pride leads to his downfall.
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Ayelet Zurer as Queen Ahinoam
Zurer, known for “Man of Steel,” plays Saul’s wife, offering a nuanced depiction of the queen’s role in the unfolding drama.
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Stephen Lang as Samuel
Veteran actor Lang, famed for his roles in “Avatar” and “Don’t Breathe,” takes on the role of the prophet Samuel, the seer who anoints David as the future king.
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Martyn Ford as Goliath
Bodybuilder and actor Ford, dubbed “The Nightmare,” brings a formidable presence to the Philistine giant, Goliath.
The ensemble cast features Ethan Kai as Jonathan, Indy Lewis as Michal, Oded Fehr as Abner, and Louis Ferreira as Jesse. Their performances bring the ancient story to life for today’s audience.
Production and Filming of House of David
Filming began in Greece in 2024, using its diverse landscapes to depict ancient Israel authentically. This choice enhances realism, immersing viewers in the historical setting.
The Wonder Project, led by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, partners with Amazon MGM Studios. Together, they aim to create a high-quality series for both faith-based and general audiences.
Release Strategy
House of David debuted its first three episodes on February 27, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. The remaining five episodes will be released weekly, ending with the finale on April 3.
This schedule builds anticipation and encourages discussion, aligning the finale with Easter celebrations for a meaningful viewing experience.
A New Era of Faith-Based Entertainment
The release of House of David reflects Hollywood’s growing focus on faith-based content. Studios and investors see the demand for uplifting, values-driven stories.
Hits like The Chosen and Sound of Freedom have proven the genre’s profitability and appeal. This success encourages more high-quality productions in the faith-based space.
Jon Erwin and Dallas Jenkins, co-founders of The Wonder Project, lead this movement. They aim to bridge cultural gaps and deliver relatable, compelling storytelling.
Critical Reception on House of David
Upon release, House of David received mixed reviews. Some praise its visuals and ambitious storytelling, while others find it lacking in engagement.
Decider’s review notes that, despite humanizing biblical figures, the series “fails to create engaging characters, remaining too reverent and dull.”
Still, critics acknowledge its effort to add depth to a well-known story, even if it doesn’t resonate with all viewers.
House of David represents a significant addition to the landscape of faith-based entertainment, offering a fresh take on a timeless story.
