House of David”: Bible Story Gets “Game of Thrones

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The story of David vs. Goliath, well-known and uplifting in human history (found in the Christian Bible), is a tale you’ve likely heard before but not quite like this. The timeless underdog narrative requires no introduction; it’s about David, a humble shepherd from Elah Valley in Israel, who defeated the formidable giant Goliath armed only with a slingshot — a plot twist for those unfamiliar. Over time, this story has been narrated and reimagined countless times. However, an upcoming Prime Video series brings a touch of drama that seems to be influenced by HBO’s “Game of Thrones.

I’m genuinely excited about diving into the eight-episode series adaptation of the biblical tale, “House of David,” which promises an engaging watch. This captivating production is a brainchild of Jon Erwin, creator of films like “Jesus Revolution” and “American Underdog,” and Jon Gunn, known for “Ordinary Angels.” The idea for this series was initially conceived by Erwin, with Dallas Jenkins, the mind behind “The Chosen,” providing valuable input.

In this rendition, the character of David is skillfully portrayed by Michael Iskander, a rising star who has previously shone in the award-winning stage musical, “Kimberly Akimbo.” On the other hand, the formidable Goliath comes to life through the powerful acting and imposing physique of Martyn Ford, known for his roles in “Those About to Die.”

“House of David” is set to premiere on Prime Video on February 27, with the first three episodes releasing simultaneously. Subsequent episodes will be rolled out weekly thereafter. The official summary intriguingly reveals:

As I sat down in the cinema, I was eagerly anticipating this tale of power and humility. The once-powerful King Saul, a figure who had ruled with iron strength, became a tragic victim of his own pride. On the other hand, an unlikely hero emerged: a shepherd boy, cast aside from society. Yet, this outcast was none other than David, the one destined to become the second king. In retelling this captivating story, I can’t help but feel the weight of these characters’ struggles and triumphs resonate deeply within me.

The initial preview for “House of David” has been unveiled, promising an epic storyline reminiscent of Biblical times. The sneak peek offers glimpses of high-octane action sequences, such as the iconic confrontation between David and Goliath, along with the consequences of David’s ascension to the throne as Israel’s new king. The cast includes Ali Suliman (known for “Jack Ryan”), Ayelet Zurer (“Daredevil”), Indy Lewis (“Industry”), Stephen Lang (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), Yali Topol Margalith (“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”), and Sam Otto (“Snowpiercer”).

The Way of Water”), Yali Topol Margalith (“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”), and Sam Otto (“Snowpiercer”).

The Rise of Biblical TV Dramas and Movies

Filmmakers have been adapting biblical tales for screen since the introduction of moving pictures. The earliest known film adaptation dates back to 1897, titled The Horitz Passion Play, although some film experts consider 1903’s Samson and Delilah as the first. One of the most famous biblical films from Hollywood’s golden era is Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, released in 1956. In recent times, renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese (The Last Temptation of Christ), Ridley Scott (Exodus: Gods and Kings), and Mel Gibson (The Passion of Christ) have explored stories from the Bible.

More recently, Dallas Jenkins’ series, titled “The Chosen,” which follows the life of Jesus of Nazareth, has gained significant popularity in the US, spanning four seasons and amassing over $100 million through fan funding. In today’s era of streaming, narratives like these are being reimagined as episodic dramas and exclusive streaming productions. Last year, “Mary,” a film about Mary Magdalene, made its debut. Although there was significant debate surrounding the choice of actress portraying the main character, the movie proved to be a triumph on Netflix.

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2025-01-29 17:03