An animated musical film titled 'David' was released in theaters on December 19, 2025, featuring Grammy-nominated Christian artist Phil Wickham in his acting debut as the biblical hero. The movie, produced by Sunrise Animation Studios, recounts King David's journey from shepherd boy to his famous battle against Goliath. It also stars singer Lauren Daigle and aims to appeal to families worldwide.
The release of 'David' marks a long-held vision for Sunrise Animation Studios, founded over 30 years ago by Phil and Jacqui Cunningham. According to writer and director Brent Dawes, the studio's origins stemmed from Cunningham's desire to create a film about David. Initially conceived as a live-action project, it shifted to animation about 11 years ago to broaden its audience.
Dawes explained to Catholic News Agency that David's biblical story includes elements that would make a live-action version 'pretty R-rated and pretty much for adults.' By animating it, the film tells the tale 'authentically, but... in a sort of gentler way,' allowing families and children to engage without alienation. He emphasized its accessibility: 'We’re not telling the audience, “You have to believe what our character believes,” but our story is based 3,000 years ago, and this is what he believed.'
The production highlights faith-based storytelling amid what Dawes sees as Hollywood's agenda-driven narratives. 'Hollywood doesn’t tell stories from the heart anymore, and it tells it from a board room,' he noted. The film seeks to inspire viewers by portraying David's confidence in facing Goliath, teaching that challenges should be met 'with confidence, not with nervousness or fear—like David... He had a faith and a confidence and a childlike faith.'
Phil Wickham voices the young David in his acting debut, joined by Lauren Daigle, bringing musical elements to the story. Dawes hopes the movie entertains while speaking 'to each individual where they are in their life,' offering inspiration regardless of belief.
