The biblical drama series 'House of David', which chronicles the epic tale of David and Goliath, has debuted on Prime Video, attracting attention with its powerful storytelling and impressive production values.
Released on February 27, 2025, the series is not just another retelling of the famous biblical story; it presents David, portrayed by Michael Iskander, as a complicated character, showcasing his evolution from shepherd to king. Iskander described the experience as both thrilling and intimidating, admitting, "Scary. I mean, obviously an offer like this type of story, it's so special when everyone wants it, but it's scary because there's so much pressure... I'm just a lucky one." His commitment to the role stems from his admiration for similar productions, like 'The Chosen', which has inspired him immensely.
Created by Jon Erwin, who is also known for his work on faith-based films such as 'I Can Only Imagine', 'House of David' aims to deliver much more than just biblical history. According to Erwin, the goal was to reach not just religious audiences: "This isn't just for religious people; we want to reach a broad audience," he stated, highlighting the universal themes of power, family, and destiny interwoven within the storyline.
Complementing Erwin's vision is co-director Jon Gunn, who emphasized the importance of honoring the source material's integrity: "We feel like a great responsibility for the source material... to honor it... it really has to come to life." The series takes viewers to the heart of the iconic battle where David faces the giant Goliath, played by Martyn Ford, and traverses David's overall arc toward becoming Israel's revered king.
Ford, who stands out due to his imposing stature, stated, "Just because you're not achieving what you want today, it doesn't mean you won't get there tomorrow," reflecting on his personal struggles and career path. His perspective on Goliath adds depth to the character, as he depicts the figure not just as a foe, but as someone relatable with familial ties and motivations.
The series showcases stunning visuals, shot largely in Greece, where the landscapes mimic the ancient settings described in the biblical account. Jon Erwin shared the significance of the choice, expressing how it felt rich with history, akin to his earlier experiences visiting King David's Tomb. Gunn added, "Greece has a really wonderful film incentive and energy about it," reinforcing the setting's contribution to the series' authenticity.
Alongside its engaging narrative, 'House of David' offers viewers the chance to see the enduring appeal of the story, which many cite as the quintessential underdog tale. Episode release details indicate the first three episodes are available now, with subsequent installments dropping weekly until the series finale on April 3, 2025. Each episode promises to peel back new layers of the story, addressing the nuanced aspects of David's life.
Screening the entire first episode was initially held at Liberty University featuring the creators and lead actors. During the presentation, Iskander emphasized the duality of his character, saying, "He has so many sides to him. I think it's such an interesting dynamic to have... it dives deep... the human aspects of who these heroes were." This multifaceted portrayal is anticipated to resonate with viewers seeking both entertainment and inspiration.
Aside from entertainment, Erwin hopes the series will encourage viewers to engage directly with the biblical text, enhancing their familiarity with David's life and lessons. He remarked, "I've never seen anything like it... the industry is taking notice." With its blend of dramatic storytelling and relatable themes, 'House of David' stands poised to make significant waves not only within faith-based circles but across the broader entertainment industry.
For fans eager for more, new episodes of 'House of David' will be readily available weekly on Prime Video. Anticipation grows as viewers look forward to the culmination of David's saga, from shepherd boy to king, reinforcing the narrative's timeless reach.