More than two decades since the acclaimed animated musical “The Prince of Egypt” captured audiences with its portrayal of Moses, the landscape of biblical-inspired animated films has seen little activity. However, Angel Studios is stepping in to reignite interest with its upcoming release, “The King of Kings.”

A Fresh Take on a Classic Story

Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Oscar Isaac as Jesus and Mark Hamill as King Herod, “The King of Kings” combines a rich narrative with an innovative framing device. The plot unfolds as the renowned author Charles Dickens, voiced by Kenneth Branagh, attempts to educate his son, Walter (Roman Griffin Davis), about the greatest king: Jesus.

Box Office Success Before Release

The film, inspired by Dickens’ “The Life of Our Lord,” has already generated significant buzz, achieving over $14.6 million in presales, surpassing the box office records previously set by “The Prince of Egypt.”

Community Support Drives Interest

According to Jordan Harmon, co-founder of Angel Studios, the company’s unique crowdfunding model, the “Angel Guild,” has played a crucial role in this swift success. “We less look at things like, ‘What are we missing inside of our slate?’ We look at what the Guild is really resonating with,” Harmon shared with Variety.

Strategic Timing for Release

After acquiring the project from director Seong-ho Jang in November 2024, Harmon emphasized the decision to time the theatrical release with Easter, capitalizing on the themes of the story and enhancing its relevance during the Holy Week.

A Emotional Journey for Young Audiences

“This movie is really ‘The Passion’ for kids,” Harmon explained, noting the emotional impact of early screenings, where many children left in tears, finding a deeper connection to faith through the film’s storytelling.

Character Depth and Appeal

Hamill, recognizing the villainous qualities of King Herod, expressed excitement about embodying such a character from a voice acting perspective. “He’s a classic villain… complete lack of empathy,” Hamill stated, highlighting the unique opportunities voiceover work provides in casting.

Positive Messages for Children

The film aims to transcend religious barriers, appealing to a broader audience. Hamill remarked, “Children are going to find this enormously appealing… it teaches such positive values,” ensuring that the film works both as an entertaining adventure and a moral guide.

Engaging Families with Promotion

Angel Studios is also launching a “Kids Go Free” promotion, providing a complimentary children’s ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket, intended to alleviate financial barriers for families and encourage attendance.

Attracting a Wider Audience

As Harmon noted, addressing the challenge of attracting younger audiences, traditionally less engaged with their more adult-targeted content, was essential for the film’s development. “One that we think we conquered pretty well,” Harmon concluded.