Prime Video’s ‘House of David’ Brings the Biblical Story of King David to Life
Long before filmmaker Jon Erwin directed hit movies like Jesus Revolution and I Can Only Imagine, he wrote a script about a God-fearing boy who slayed a giant and then grew up to be a king. That script, of course, was about David, the biblical leader of Israel who defeated Goliath, penned the Psalms, and united the tribes of Israel within one nation.
On Feb. 27, Erwin's vision becomes reality when Prime Video begins releasing the first season of House of David as part of an ambitious series produced by a new studio, Wonder Project. The first season recounts several biblical events, including the fall of King Saul, the anointing of David, and the slaying of Goliath.
"I've wanted to tell the story since I was 16 years old," Erwin, an executive producer, told Crosswalk Headlines. "I went to Israel then with my dad, with my first camera. …I was just so awestruck by the thousands of years of history and the stories. And it was like the Bible just came to life."
As part of the trip, Erwin and his father visited King David's tomb.
"It was the first movie script I ever wrote, way before the other films," Erwin said.
"The idea of David and Goliath -- even people that have no idea what the story is, those three words are synonymous with the underdog, with overcoming all odds, with finding and following your destiny and your purpose."
House of David stars Michael Iskander as David, Ali Suliman as Saul, Stephen Lang as Samuel, and Martyn Ford as Goliath. Erwin and Jon Gunn (The Case for Christ) directed it.
Similar to The Chosen, it uses creative license to craft plausible storylines that bridge the gaps between biblical events. Dallas Jenkins, the creator and director of that popular series, is an advisor to Wonder Project.
"The Bible is the primary source," Erwin said, adding that Christian theologians and Jewish experts provided advice.
"The Chosen really did pave the way to make House of David possible," Erwin said.
He joked that a series using only the biblical text would last just 25 minutes.
"And so you do have to create plausible storylines and relationships that justify those events," he said. "And you do that with great care and consideration. What I remind people is, this is not the Source, this is not Scripture. This is a TV show and it is a love letter to the Bible. It is an homage, and pushing people towards the Bible itself. The Bible is what's sacred, and my hope is that people love the series. They're entertained by it. They can watch it together, and they then open up their Bible."
Photo Credit: ©Prime Video
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published February 18, 2025.
