Following the triumph of the biblical series “The Chosen,” Amazon Prime Video is set to feature a new series delving into the stories of Old Testament figures King David and Saul. This upcoming project is helmed by the director responsible for “Jesus Revolution” and “I Can Only Imagine.”
Recently, Amazon MGM Studios disclosed a partnership with The Wonder Project, a novel faith-based movie studio, to bring forth a Bible-based series named “House of David” on Prime Video, as reported by Variety. The Wonder Project, co-founded by director Jon Erwin and former Netflix and YouTube executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, has renowned figure Dallas Jenkins, creator, and director of “The Chosen,” serving as an advisor.
“House of David” unfolds the Old Testament narrative of David, portraying his journey from an outcast shepherd to the eventual king of the Israelites. The series follows the downfall of King Saul, driven by his pride, and the prophecy foretelling the rise of David as the new king. Amidst love, violence, and political intrigues in Saul’s court, the narrative builds towards an inevitable conflict between the two destined kings.
Jon Erwin, representing The Wonder Project, expressed enthusiasm about “House of David” being the inaugural project under the collaboration, emphasizing its role in paving the way for compelling, values-driven movies and TV shows. He highlighted the significance of partnering with a company that comprehends and supports their mission and audience.
The surge in success for Bible-based films and TV series is evident in recent years, with “The Chosen” amassing 200 million unique viewers since its 2017 launch, sparking a renewed interest in biblical dramas. Jenkins, who serves as a special advisor to The Wonder Project, attributes the success of “The Chosen” to its authentic portrayal of Jesus and his disciples as relatable human beings, resonating with viewers on a personal level.
Erwin, a prominent Christian filmmaker, shared with Variety that he and his wife, being part of the intended audience, desire more content that aligns with their values. The Wonder Project envisions selling its productions to mainstream networks, streamers, and film distributors while exploring independent distribution and streaming options. Erwin expressed a desire to dream big, building a studio that empowers creatives in the faith-based space with unprecedented freedom and resources, aiming for independence and longevity.