Dream Project Brings Biblical Epic To Life
Jon Erwin has built a notable career in filmmaking, crafting stories that blend faith with powerful themes of family and personal transformation. From his breakout with October Baby in 2011 to the box office hits I Can Only Imagine and Jesus Revolution, the Birmingham, Alabama native consistently gravitates toward narratives that connect deeply with audiences through spiritual and emotional truths.
Erwin also has a passion for preserving meaningful memories that often become the inspiration behind his creative projects. A prime example is his 2023 film Jesus Revolution, which starred Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie. The idea was sparked years earlier when he came across a 1966 Time magazine cover asking, “Is God Dead?”—a copy of which he carried in his bag for nearly a decade before turning that concept into a major motion picture that went on to earn $54 million.
His latest venture, House of David, is a limited series now streaming on Amazon Prime. The eight-part biblical drama is rooted in a powerful memory from Erwin’s teenage years—visiting Israel with his father at age 16. That trip left an indelible mark on him, planting the seed for what would eventually become a sweeping retelling of King David’s journey from shepherd to Israel’s most iconic monarch. “I think the key to success is staying committed in one direction over time,” Erwin reflects. “These projects often take longer than expected, but when God calls you to something, it’s worth the wait.”
The series features a strong cast, including Broadway’s Michael Iskander in the lead role, alongside Ali Suliman, Ayelet Zurer, and Stephen Lang. It chronicles David’s rise to power and the trials that shaped his legacy.
Erwin, reflecting on the show’s success—recently ranked as the top series on Amazon Prime—explains its resonance: “Why are we drawn to these kinds of stories? I believe it’s because we’re wired to look for a savior, to crave a hero. And we all want to believe our lives have meaning beyond the routine—that we’re part of something greater. That’s David’s story.”
In a recent podcast appearance, Erwin and Iskander delve into the importance of maintaining biblical integrity in portraying David’s life, explore how the legendary figure embodies traits of humanity’s earliest “superhero,” and share how working on the project was a humbling experience for them both.