‘House of David’ Director Jon Erwin Hopes Series Draws Viewers to Scripture
Michael Foust
Audio By Carbonatix
By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
The director of the hit streaming series House of David says he hopes the show deepens Christians’ love for Scripture and inspires others -- such as seekers and skeptics -- to open a Bible for the first time. Season 2 of House of David launches Oct. 5 on Prime Video’s Wonder Project subscription service, tracing David’s path to the throne as he clashes with Saul and strengthens his brother-like friendship with Jonathan.
“I love Season 2 -- I love it even more than Season 1. It's epic in every way,” creator and co-director Jon Erwin told Crosswalk Headlines.
Erwin describes the story of David as a “hero’s journey,” one he believes resonates with Christians and non-Christians alike -- as demonstrated when Season 1 climbed to No. 1 on Prime Video.
“If you love Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars -- in many ways, those character archetypes, those hero’s journey stories, I think, are in some ways rooted in the story of David,” he said.
“This is like the original hero's journey. David is the original Luke Skywalker.”
Season 2 begins where Season 1 left off, with Israel grappling with the aftermath of David’s victory over Goliath, as David himself ponders how God will bring about his ascent to the throne. The second season also continues the romantic themes of Season 1 between David and the princess, Michal. Working on the project, Erwin said, has deepened his own love for Scripture, and he hopes it will do the same for viewers.
“If you love the Bible as I do, I hope that this story will bring a greater sense of meaning and depth to [Scripture],” Erwin told Crosswalk Headlines. “I know I don't read the Psalms the same way after making the show.
“I just have such a deeper understanding of the life that the character [David] was living. … But what I love about the show is you don't have to know anything about the Bible to enjoy the show, because it feels very similar to the Lord of the Rings, and it feels like it has those same thematic elements as Harry Potter and [titles] like that.”
Christian entertainment, he said, is enjoying a renaissance of creativity and influence -- not only with House of David but also The Chosen and two upcoming projects: Mel Gibson’s Resurrection films and Alejandro Monteverde’s Zero A.D. House of David “is not Scripture” but instead a “love letter to Scripture,” Erwin added.
“This is art, but it's meant to point people to the Book that'll change their life.”
Photo credit: ©Prime Video's Wonder Project
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
