Amazon’s ‘House of David’ Anoints an Intriguing Biblical Epic
“Can one stone change the course of history?”
This is the question that Amazon Prime’s new show House of David sets out to answer when it airs on February 27, 2025. The series no doubt hopes to benefit from the current momentum of Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon on HBO.
Game of Thrones sends my mind to the story of David in the Bible. This is the story of a shepherd boy who eventually became one of the greatest, yet flawed, kings in the Bible. A man who was said to be a man after God’s own heart.
The story of David rivals the political intrigue of George R. R. Martin’s series over the course of several books. The world of Old Testament Israel is full of kings, kingdoms, and chaos. You have Saul, a warrior doing great things in the name of the Lord and unifying the tribes of Israel. But even great men have their hubris, as Saul grows more concerned with his own glory than that of the Lord’s. When the young David is anointed future king of Israel, you have a clash of thrones fit for an epic.
Are you intrigued? If you are, House of David will be right up your alley.
House of David is helmed by Jon Erwin, who most recently brought us Jesus Revolution and I Can Only Imagine. Both films were significant upgrades in quality filmmaking in the faith-based film genre. The success of Dallas Jenkins’s biblical drama The Chosen has no doubt raised the bar and reminded the big studios that a large and growing demographic exists for Bible-based storytelling.
House of David sports an impressive cast led by veteran actors Ali Suliman (from Jack Ryan), who plays King Saul, and Stephen Lang (from James Cameron’s Avatar) portraying the prophet Samuel. David is portrayed by newcomer Michael Iskander.
While the series must take creative liberties in exploring different narratives surrounding the life of David, much like The Chosen, the first episode sticks closely to the historical truths, events and themes presented in Scripture. The show is beautifully shot and was filmed on location in Greece, adding a layer of immersion to every scene. While clunky dialogue hurt parts of the episode, it didn’t damage the overall narrative that the filmmakers set up for us.
Above all, the story draws you in and keeps your attention. It’s full of everything that makes for a good historical drama: quests for power, political tensions, jealous siblings, forbidden relationships, and outcasts destined for greatness. As a Christian, I’m extremely excited for what House of David brings to the table. The Bible is full of incredible stories and powerful lessons that deserve to be experienced visually.
House of David premieres on Amazon on February 27, 2025.
I picked up on the House of Dragon nod too. You’re right: Israel’s king line is just as dramatic (and scandalous) as anything HBO can come up with.
I’m so beyond excited for this, and it’s great to know you’ve already watched the premiere and can confirm it’s good. Just imagine—even a year ago, the news of Amazon doing a Bible show would have sent us all into a panic, considering the reception of Wheel of Time and Rings of Power. Recent comments from Amazon decision-makers indicates attitudes are changing over there, and we’re in for a series of quality Bible shows in the future, helmed by dedicated believers. It’s an incredible time to be alive.
Thank you for posting this. I can’t wait to watch the film. I’ve seen the Chosen series and the Jesus Revolution and they were both fantastic. The bar for filmmakers has risen and better quality faith based films are being made. The Bible itself is inspiring and to have quality films will no doubt draw more nonbelievers to see who God is. I’m inspired and excited!
If Michael Allen recommends it- it must be a must watch!!
I’d really like for this show to be good, but I’ve got to say the dialogue I’ve heard from trailers sounds, in this review’s words, clunky.
BTW, has anyone on this site familiar with The Man Born to be King? It’s a radio drama from the 40s about the life of Christ. I actually recommend reading the published script by Dorothy Sayers over listening to it since a lot of great stuff had to be cut. In many ways, the approach it takes to the material is similar to that of The Chosen. I actually consider it much better.
For my part, I vaguely recall this, yet I’ve not (yet) heard the vintage drama or read the original script.