David: The Giant Slayer
The legendary tale of David, the giant slayer who vanquished Goliath with a single stone, has captivated audiences for centuries. This biblical narrative not only solidifies his status as a heroic figure but also enriches our everyday vernacular. Now, this timeless story is set to be reimagined in a new series titled House of David, premiering on Amazon’s Prime Video. The project is helmed by the talented filmmakers Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, who began production last summer in the picturesque landscapes of Greece.
In an interview with the Catholic News Agency, Erwin shared his personal connection to the story: “For me, House of David began when I was 16 years old and I went to Israel with my dad. He bought me my first camera with money he did not have, and it was probably the greatest gift I’ve ever received.” While visiting the tomb of David, he pondered, “What kind of life do you have to live that your words echo through the centuries?” This moment ignited his long-held desire to bring David’s story to life.
What is House of David About?
House of David delves into the rise of David, the shepherd boy who would ascend to the throne as the revered king of Israel. As King Saul succumbs to his own arrogance and misjudgments, a new leader begins to emerge. Following divine instruction, the prophet Samuel anoints David, an unexpected and marginalized youth, as the future king. As Saul’s grip on his kingdom weakens, David embarks on a transformative journey to discover and embrace his destiny.
Throughout this journey, David encounters love and heartache, faces Goliath in battle, and navigates the treacherous politics of the royal court he is destined to inherit. As the sun sets on one leader, the dawn breaks for another.
Who is in the House of David Cast?
Michael Iskander
Michael Iskander takes on the pivotal role of David, a humble shepherd who rises to become a king. This marks a significant breakthrough for the Egyptian-born actor, who was raised in the United States. His casting followed an extensive four-month international search for the perfect fit for this iconic role. Iskander previously showcased his talent in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo.
Ali Suliman
Ali Suliman portrays the conflicted King Saul. Known for his compelling performance as Mousa bin Suleiman in the acclaimed series Jack Ryan and as Khaled in the film Paradise Now, Suliman brings depth to his character. The 47-year-old Israeli actor recently appeared in the film The Swimmers and played Chik in the 2024 adventure flick Arthur The King.
Martyn Ford
Martyn Ford embodies the formidable Goliath, the Philistine warrior. A former cricketer turned bodybuilder and actor, the Birmingham native has made a name for himself in both the fitness and entertainment industries. His film credits include Boyka: Undisputed, Redcon-1, Viking Destiny, Final Score, The Marine 6: Close Quarters, and The Machine. Ford has also featured in television series such as The Nevers, Benidorm, and The Sandman.
Ayelet Zurer
Ayelet Zurer plays Queen Ahinoam, the wife of King Saul. The 55-year-old Israeli actress has earned accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Actress in Israel. Her impressive filmography includes international hits such as Munich, Vantage Point, Angels & Demons, Man of Steel, Last Knights, and Ben-Hur. Zurer is also recognized for her roles in television series like Daredevil and The Best Worst Thing.
The talented ensemble cast further includes:
- Stephen Lang as Samuel (Avatar: The Way of Water, Don’t Breathe)
- Indy Lewis as Mychal (Industry, King and Conqueror)
- Yali Topol Margalith as Mirab (Tattooist of Auschwitz, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder)
- Ethan Kai as Jonathan (The Turkish Detective, Carnival Row)
- Aziz Dyab as Nathaneel (Liaison, Unorthodox)
- Oded Fehr as Abner (Star Trek: Discovery, La Cocina)
- Louis Ferriera as Jesse (Shogun, Breaking Bad)
- Davood Ghadami as Eliab (Eastenders, The Chelsea Detective)
- Stewart Scudamore as Adriel (My Lady Jane, Carnival Row)
- Jeremy Xido as Agag (The Machinist, Viva S Club)
- Ashraf Barhom as Doeg (Tyrant, The Last Planet)
How Many Episodes Are There and How Can I Watch?
House of David consists of eight riveting episodes, with the series set to premiere on Thursday, February 27, on Prime Video. The first three episodes will be available at launch, followed by the release of a new episode each week, culminating on Thursday, April 3. To enjoy this exciting series, viewers will need a subscription to Amazon’s Prime Video, which starts at £8.99 per month, although a 30-day free trial is available for new users.
