The new Prime Video series House of David is making waves in the faith-based entertainment world, dramatizing the biblical story of King David’s rise. Directed by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, this ambitious production stars Michael Iskander as David and Stephen Lang as Samuel. Shot in Greece with stunning visuals and intricate costumes, the series aims to blend biblical accuracy with cinematic storytelling. Released on Amazon Prime, the filmmakers hope to reach a global audience, deepening biblical literacy and sparking spiritual conversations.
David: The Shepherd, Warrior, and King
One of the most significant figures in biblical history, David was a shepherd who rose to become Israel’s most revered king. His story begins in 1 Samuel when the prophet Samuel anoints him as Saul’s successor. Known for his courage in defeating Goliath, David later becomes a mighty warrior and a devoted follower of God. However, his life is also marked by profound failures, including his transgression with Bathsheba. Despite these shortcomings, David’s deep repentance and faith earn him the title “a man after God’s own heart.” His legacy includes uniting Israel, preparing the way for the Temple, and being part of the Messianic lineage leading to Jesus Christ.
Bringing House of David to Life: Production, Cast, and Setting
Directed by Jesus Revolution filmmakers Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, House of David brings biblical history to the screen with an all-star cast. Michael Iskander plays David, Ali Suliman portrays King Saul, and Stephen Lang stars as the prophet Samuel. The show also features Martyn Ford as Goliath and Ayelet Zurer as Queen Ahinoam.
Filmed in Greece, the location was chosen for its historical landscapes, resembling ancient Israel. The production team meticulously designed sets and costumes to create a visually stunning experience, emphasizing authenticity in biblical storytelling. Erwin highlighted the importance of world-building in making biblical narratives come alive, ensuring every detail—from costumes to battle sequences—resonates with viewers.
Why House of David Premiered on Amazon Prime
The decision to release House of David on Amazon Prime was strategic, allowing for massive global reach. Jon Erwin emphasized that Amazon’s involvement provided the resources necessary for high production value while ensuring creative control remained with the filmmakers. With faith-based films like The Chosen and Jesus Revolution gaining mainstream success, the industry is recognizing a growing demand for quality Christian content.
Laurie, who consulted on the project, sees this as a transformative moment for biblical storytelling, reaching people who may never have encountered these stories before. By streaming on Amazon Prime, the series is accessible to millions, opening doors for deeper discussions on faith and biblical history.
Takeaway: A New Era of Bible-Based Films
The release of House of David continues a trend of high-quality, faith-based productions. Jesus Revolution (2023), directed by Jon Erwin, depicted the rise of the Jesus Movement in the 1970s, grossing $54 million worldwide. The Chosen (2019-present) redefined biblical television storytelling, following the life of Jesus through multiple seasons. Now, House of David brings Old Testament history to life in a fresh way.
These productions reflect a growing audience hunger for faith-based content that blends cinematic excellence with biblical truth. As Pastor Greg Laurie stated:
“I think this is one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities in recent history,” Laurie told The Christian Post. “Millions of people through ‘House of David’ and ‘The Chosen’ are hearing Bible stories for the first time. No movie will ever take the place of the Gospel or the Bible, nor should it. But if it inspires people who’ve never read the Bible before or have no relationship with God to want to know more, then this is something we should be celebrating, not critiquing.”