Fresh off Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical, Kimberly Akimbo, Michael Iskander steps into the starring role in Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated House of David. Touted as one of the year’s top biblically inspired stories, House of David is the re-telling of the life journey of the biblical figure David, from a musician and shepherd boy to King. The eight-part series follows David as he explores love and loss to fulfill his destiny. Iskander takes on the role of David, while British bodybuilder Martyn Ford plays Goliath, the giant that David slays. Just in time for Easter and Passover, House of David premiered February 27th on Amazon Prime Video.
Created by Jon Erwin and produced by The Wonder Project (led by the Erwin Brothers, known for films Jesus Revolution, Ordinary Angels, and I Can Only Imagine), House of David brings a human touch to the iconic biblical hero David, one of Israel’s most beloved kings. In an interview with CBN News, Iskander expressed that this breakout role strengthened his trust in the Christian faith, “David has taught me courage and bravery because the one thing that David always does is he doesn’t run from his fears. He goes right to them. And I think that’s a lesson we all need, is to not run away from fears but face our fears. To stand up against the giant and to say, I’m here. Even though we might be scared, terrified, we still choose to stand against giants.”
The story of David, is one most people of faith know, but according to Executive Producer Jon Gunn, the aim was not to create a religious series. Gunn said in the Los Angeles Times, “We weren’t looking to make a religious show…We’re looking to make a compelling show that we would want to watch, and so if it works, it’s not at all about religion. It’s about these humans in this moment living this story.”
House of David also boasts an impressive soundtrack of music inspired by the series. It features over a dozen musical contributors, including Grammy award-winning gospel musician, Lecrae, and Grammy-nominated gospel artist, Blessing Offor. Grammy award-winning gospel singer and House of David soundtrack contributor, Tori Kelly, expressed that her song “I’ve Got A Story” conveys the themes of David’s spiritual journey. “I’ve Got A Story,” she said, “is a song about struggle, perseverance, reflection, and triumph. I hope this song finds anyone who listens to it in a moment when they need it most, whether they’re going through a painful time or a moment of victory.”
Listen to the incredible soundtrack inspired by House of David, and go watch the underdog story of the ages, House of David, streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. Both will inspire you.
By Baird McDaniel
Journalist, Filmmaker
Follow me on Instagram: @bairdmcdaniel