Fox Nation is set to release a four-part docudrama, “David: King of Israel,” this spring, bringing the biblical story of King David to life with actor Zachary Levi as host. The series, which will debut weekly beginning in the first quarter of 2026, aims to explore the life of David, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd to his reign as Israel’s greatest king, and his significance as an ancestor of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. The project arrives as interest in biblical narratives continues to grow, following the success of other faith-based productions.
Levi, known for his roles in “Shazam!,” “Chuck,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” described the story of David as profoundly resonant, comparing its scope and drama to “Lord of the Rings.” He emphasized the enduring relevance of David’s story, particularly in times of conflict, stating, “It’s unfortunately an evergreen [story] in that we as mankind find ourselves in conflict and war always. The only way to truly battle darkness is to battle it with light.” The docudrama seeks to present a cinematic and historically grounded portrayal of David’s life, highlighting themes of faith, redemption, and purpose.
Production Details and Historical Consultation
The majority of filming for “David: King of Israel” took place in South Africa, chosen for its established infrastructure and experienced crew in faith-based productions, according to Jonathan Towers, Fox Nation’s vice president of development. South Africa offered existing biblical sets and costumes, as well as a robust acting community. South African actor Nahum Hughes will portray David in the series. The production team, led by Warm Springs Productions and executive producers David Cunningham, Marc Pierce, Chris Richardson, and Bridger Pierce, consulted with a diverse group of historians, archaeologists, and biblical experts, including Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, and Ze’ev Orenstein, director of the City of David in Israel.
Cunningham explained that while the production team took some “creative license” with costume design where historical evidence was lacking, they prioritized accuracy in areas where information was available, such as priestly garments and Goliath’s armor. The goal was to create a visually compelling and historically respectful depiction of the biblical era.
Building on Previous Biblical Dramas
The upcoming series follows the 2025 release of “House of David,” an eight-episode docudrama that quickly became the second-most watched show on Prime Video. Levi noted that “David: King of Israel” complements “House of David” by focusing more directly on the historical and biblical source material, rather than taking extensive creative liberties. He believes this approach will offer viewers a deeper understanding of David’s life and legacy.
Levi on Representation and Hollywood
Levi also shared a personal anecdote about past challenges he faced in Hollywood, revealing that he was frequently passed over for roles due to casting directors making assumptions about his background based on his stage name. In a 2016 interview, Levi, whose full name is Zachary Pugh Levi, discussed being perceived as “too Jewish” despite being a practicing Christian. He expressed frustration with what he sees as a lack of “reality” in Hollywood and a tendency to perpetuate “lies.”
Despite rising antisemitism and hostility toward Israel within the entertainment industry, Levi expressed confidence in the potential for “David: King of Israel” to foster interfaith unity. He also voiced surprise at what he perceives as a distancing from heritage among some Jewish individuals in the industry. “I walk to the beat of my own drum in Hollywood,” Levi said. “I believe when you stand for right and fight for the light you can’t be wrong.”
The premiere of “David: King of Israel” on Fox Nation marks the latest addition to the platform’s FOX Faith vertical, which recently premiered the second season of “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.” The series is described as grounded in biblical scripture but told with “cinematic grit,” offering a sweeping portrait of a life marked by courage, violence, passion, failure, and redemption. As the premiere date approaches, Fox Nation anticipates the docudrama will resonate with audiences interested in biblical history and compelling storytelling.
As the series launches, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this new interpretation of a classic biblical story and whether it sparks further conversations about faith, history, and representation in media.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming series in the comments below!
