In 2017, a groundbreaking faith-based series known simply as “The Chosen” redefined Christian storytelling with a multi-season portrayal of Jesus that captivated audiences worldwide.
This month, a new Prime Video series, “House of David,” aims to bring the Old Testament figure to life in a similar way, offering an immersive look at his journey from shepherd to king.
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“House of David” is the creation of Jon Erwin, the filmmaker who directed hits such as “I Can Only Imagine” and “Jesus Revolution” before he helped form a new studio, Wonder Project. “House of David” is its first project.
The first season launches Feb. 27 and chronicles several biblical events, including King Saul’s fall, Samuel’s anointing of David, and David’s slaying of Goliath.
Similar to “The Chosen,” “House of David” employs creative license to expand the story. The goal, Erwin said, is to inspire the audience while pointing them back to Scripture.
“This is not the Source Material. This is a love letter. This is an adaptation. This is a television show,” Erwin told The Baptist Paper. “The whole point is to drive people to the Source Material. I hope people take the same journey that I’ve taken. I’ve not read the Psalms this much in a long, long time.”
Prime Video is actively courting the faith-based audience. In February, it launched a new partnership with “The Chosen,” making Prime Video the exclusive third-party home of the popular series and granting it a 90-day exclusive streaming window following the theatrical release. Prime Video already was the home to “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” the fantastical series inspired by the popular J.R.R. Tolkien novels.
“It’s really unbelievable that a mechanism as big as Prime Video globally would give creative control to Believers on this project,” Erwin said. “And that’s a testament to how loud our voice has been heard with things like “The Chosen and Jesus Revolution.”
Erwin and Jon Gunn (“The Case for Christ”) directed “House of David.” They aspire to produce multiple seasons.
Erwin is not involved in “The Chosen” but frequently sought advice from its creator and director, Dallas Jenkins.
It stars Michael Iskander as David, Stephen Lang as Samuel, Ali Suliman as Saul and Martyn Ford as Goliath.
Season 1 presents David as a God-fearing young man who is overshadowed both at home and in the rest of society due to his youth and small stature. Although Season 1 contains no sexuality or coarse language, its battle scenes may be too intense for younger viewers. If it were a movie, it likely would be rated PG-13 — although most scenes fall squarely within G and PG territory.
My guess is fans of “The Chosen” will also become fans of “House of David.”
Others worth watching
Also worth watching this month:
Despicable Me 4 (Netflix) — Gru and his family go on the run after the sinister Maxime Le Mal threatens the life of America’s favorite villain-turned-hero. The film follows Gru as he adopts a new identity and relocates to the town of Mayflower, where he and his family struggle to maintain their disguise. This hilarious film includes solid themes of adoption, family and second chances. Rated PG for action and rude humor.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Netflix) — The world’s fastest hedgehog teams up with a new friend, Tails, to stop the villainous tandem of Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles from harnessing the power of a mysterious green emerald. It’s the second film in a fun live-action franchise that presents a few speed bumps for families. It’s rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor and mild language, although Clearplay and VidAngel offer filters.
For the Love of Chocolate (Great American Pure Flix) — Chocolatier Aria (Rhiannon Fish) faces a major setback when her business partner backs out just before a prestigious chocolate festival. With time running out, she reluctantly teams up with a single father (Jesse Hutch). Of course, an unexpected romance begins to bloom.
Wicked (Home Video) — Two young women from different backgrounds become close friends while learning magic at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. This musical is based on a Broadway play and explores the backstory of The Wizard of Oz as it spotlights two characters from that legendary story: Galinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. It includes solid lessons about friendship and kindness. Rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material. Clearplay offers a filter.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and entertainment for 20 years. He is the husband to Julie and the father of four children.
