Angel Studios' 'DAVID' Teaser Drops: Phil Wickham Leads Musical Adventure

Get ready for an epic animated musical! Angel Studios is bringing the legendary tale of David and Goliath to the big screen with their upcoming film, DAVID, and Christian music superstar Phil Wickham is lending his incredible voice to the adult version of the biblical hero.

TL;DR: Everything You Need to Know About Angel Studios' 'DAVID'

• DAVID, an animated musical from Angel Studios and Sunrise Animation Studios, is set to hit theaters nationwide on December 19, 2025.
• Grammy-nominated worship artist Phil Wickham voices the adult David, with Brandon Engman portraying David as a youth, promising a powerful musical journey.
• This faith-based epic, over a decade in the making, comes from the studio behind hits like Sound of Freedom and The Chosen, and is already the highest Guild-rated film in Angel's history.

A Biblical Tale Reimagined with Heartfelt Music and Stunning Animation

Angel Studios is diving deep into one of history's most enduring stories with their new animated musical, DAVID. This isn't just a re-telling; it's a cinematic event designed to bring generations together, focusing on David's journey from a humble shepherd to a courageous warrior and eventual king of Israel. We're talking about breathtaking animation, an original musical score, and themes of faith, courage, and hope that really resonate.

One of the biggest pieces of news is that Grammy-nominated Phil Wickham, a modern worship artist whose songs are sung in churches worldwide, will voice the adult David. This is huge for fans of both animation and contemporary Christian music!

"There are few men that have had a greater impact on my life than King David. His story, his songs, and his faith have shaped me deeply. What an honor it has been to help bring this character to life! It truly has been a dream come true that I never saw coming. Finding David’s voice inside of me was both a challenge and a joy – thanks to an amazing team who helped guide the way! I’m so proud to be a part of such a beautiful and life-giving film. I believe it will fill hearts with hope, and lift eyes to Heaven for many years to come.”

— Phil Wickham, voice of adult David

It sounds like Wickham really connected with the character, which is exactly what you want from a lead voice actor in a musical. His passion for David's story and his incredible vocal talent promise to make this a truly moving experience.

Meet the Voices Behind the Courageous Shepherd King's Story

While Phil Wickham takes on the adult version of David, the cast is packed with talent bringing this epic story to life. Here’s who we know so far:

• Adult David: Phil Wickham – A platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated modern worship artist known for hit songs like "This is Amazing Grace" and "Living Hope." His powerful and heartfelt voice is a perfect fit for the inspiring character.
• Young David: Brandon Engman – An accomplished actor, dancer, and singer, Engman brings the youthful energy and innocence to David's early days. You might recognize his voice from English-language versions of animated features like Belle and Weathering with You.
• Samuel: Brian Stivale – Known for his work in projects like Butch Hartman’s The Garden and Avengers Academy, Stivale adds another strong voice to the ensemble.

The directors and creators clearly put a lot of thought into finding voices that embody the spirit of these iconic characters, especially with Wickham's selection.

The Visionaries Bringing 'DAVID' to the Big Screen After Decades of Development

This film has been a long time coming! Creator Phil Cunningham first conceived the idea for DAVID over 30 years ago, and it's been in active development for more than a decade. He's also serving as one of the directors, alongside Brent Dawes, who is also from South Africa's Sunrise Animation Studios (known for Jungle Beat: The Movie).

Brent Dawes emphasized the film's universal message, stating that it will "hopefully inspire a new generation to stand in the face of fear and conquer the giants they face." This truly highlights the film's core themes of resilience and faith, which are central to David's journey.

Phil Cunningham praised Wickham's casting, noting, "His voice carries adventure, energy, strength, and vulnerability – qualities that reflect David’s heart as a warrior and worshiper." It's clear that this project is a labor of love for the creative team, aiming to deliver a powerful and inspiring story.

Angel Studios' Unique Approach to Championing Inspiring Stories

DAVID is Angel Studios' most ambitious animated project yet, and it fits right in with their growing portfolio of faith-based and values-driven content. If you're not familiar, Angel Studios is a unique media and technology company. They're driven by over 1.6 million "Angel Guild" members worldwide who help decide which films and TV series get made and distributed.

This audience-first model has led to some surprising box office successes. Angel Studios previously distributed 2023's runaway hit Sound of Freedom, which earned over $250 million worldwide, and the CG-animated film The King of Kings, which brought in $77.3 million after a $19 million opening weekend. They're also behind the hugely popular series The Chosen and the Dry Bar Comedy franchise, which boasts billions of views.

What's even more impressive is that DAVID has scored a 98 out of 100 with the Angel Guild, making it the highest-rated film in their history! That kind of internal buzz from their dedicated fanbase is a pretty strong indicator that this movie is something special.

Overcoming Hurdles: The Journey to Bringing 'DAVID' to Audiences

The path to bringing DAVID to the big screen wasn't entirely smooth. Earlier this year, Angel Studios faced a breach of contract lawsuit from Slingshot, the production company originally behind DAVID and its prequel series, Young David. The suit involved accusations of a "hostile takeover" of the project and misuse of intellectual property.

However, Angel Studios, along with 2521 Entertainment, announced on October 8, 2025, that they had acquired the entire DAVID franchise from Slingshot. This move successfully put an end to the litigation, clearing the way for the film's theatrical release and ensuring that this inspiring story can reach audiences without further delay. It's great to see that the creative vision for DAVID is now fully secure and ready for its moment.

What to Expect from This Epic Cinematic Event for the Entire Family

Angel Studios and Sunrise Animation Studios are promising an unforgettable cinematic experience with DAVID. The teaser trailer (which you can find on their official channels) hints at sweeping visuals that are both grand and intimate, perfectly capturing the scale of David's journey.

As an animated musical, the original songs and score are going to be central to the storytelling, weaving together themes of faith, courage, and hope. It’s designed to be a film that reminds us why we love going to the movies together as a family – a celebration of believing in something bigger than yourself and standing firm in the face of fear. Angel Studios' EVP & Head of Theatrical and Brand Development, Brandon Purdie, called it "a cinematic event that will bring generations together this Christmas."

Catch 'DAVID' in Theaters Next Christmas for an Inspiring Experience

So, mark your calendars! DAVID is set to premiere exclusively in theaters nationwide on December 19, 2025. This is being positioned as a must-see holiday film for families looking for an uplifting and powerful story during the Christmas season.

Tickets are already on sale, so if you're eager to experience this unique animated musical on the big screen, you can head over to Angel Studios' official website for more information and to secure your seats. Don't miss out on what promises to be a truly inspiring tale of a young man who trusted God against all odds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Studios' 'DAVID' Animated Movie

When does DAVID come out in theaters?DAVID is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release on December 19, 2025, just in time for the holidays.

Who is voicing David in the movie?Grammy-nominated Christian music artist Phil Wickham will voice the adult David, and talented actor Brandon Engman will voice David as a youth.

What is DAVID about?DAVID is an animated musical retelling the biblical story of David, from his time as a humble shepherd to his legendary fight against Goliath and his rise as a king. It focuses on themes of faith, courage, and overcoming fear.

Where can I buy tickets for DAVID?Tickets for DAVID are on sale now. You can find more information and purchase tickets by visiting angel.com/david.

Sources:

• Business Wire - Angel Studios Releases First Teaser Trailer for Upcoming Animated Musical Epic DAVID https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251022437637/en/
• Animation Magazine - Angel’s ‘David’ Animated Feature to Star Christian Music Artist Phil Wickham https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/angels-david-animated-feature-to-star-christian-music-artist-phil-wickham/
• BroadwayWorld - Phil Wickham Lends Voice to Title Character in Animated Musical DAVID https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Phil-Wickham-Lends-Voice-to-Title-Character-in-Animated-Musical-DAVID-20251017
• GMA News - Phil Wickham to Voice David in Angel & Sunrise Studios’ Musical DAVID https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/life/lifestyle/2025/10/21/22756/phil-wickham-to-voice-david-in-angel-sunrise-studios-musical-david/story/
• Cartoon Brew - Sony, Netflix Announce 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2' (Contains information about David animated musical as well) https://www.cartoonbrew.com/breaking/sony-netflix-announce-the-mitchells-vs-the-machines-2.html