Phil Wickham and ‘David’ face the Goliath of ‘Avatar’

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Phil Wickham, a successful Christian worship artist with 14 albums, Platinum certification, and multiple award nominations including American Music, Dove, Billboard Music, and Grammy Awards, faced a unique challenge: portraying a Biblical hero in the new animated musical film, “David.” Despite his extensive vocal experience, he found this role unlike anything he’d done before.

Angel Studios’ new animated film, “David,” directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, arrives in theaters this Friday. This is the studio’s second animated release this year, following April’s “The King of Kings” which earned $60 million. Angel Studios previously had success with “Sound of Freedom,” which grossed $184 million. However, “David” faces tough competition as it opens on the same day as the highly anticipated “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” projected to earn between $135 and $165 million. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” is also opening that day, with expected earnings of $13 to $20 million. While presales for “David” are at $15 million across 3,100 screens, it’s shaping up to be a significant box office challenge – a real David versus Goliath situation.

Releasing music could be intimidating on its own, but for Wickham, the real challenges started much earlier in his career. Even while performing for huge crowds, he secretly hoped to voice an animated character – one who was brave, hopeful, and went on an epic journey. However, he hadn’t actively pursued that dream, so he didn’t truly believe it was possible. When he finally had a chance to audition, he felt hesitant and unsure of himself.

Wickham told producers he wasn’t easily offended and asked them to be honest with him if his performance wasn’t up to par. He explained he didn’t want to waste anyone’s time and, just as importantly, didn’t want to be in a bad movie any more than they wanted to make one.

As a movie and storytelling fan, I found it really interesting to learn that this contemporary Christian artist – the one who just wrapped up some huge shows at Downey Calvary Chapel and the Wiltern – took on a voice acting role for the first time. And not just any role! He got to help bring the story of David and Goliath to life in animated form. Seriously, talk about pressure! Everyone knows that story – the ultimate underdog tale of a young shepherd boy who takes down a giant with just a sling and a stone. It’s become the go-to story in the Bible for faith and overcoming the odds, and apparently, it’s one of the artist’s personal favorites too, which makes it even cooler.

Wickham explained that when he first considered the role, he wasn’t sure he could pull it off. He wondered if he was a capable enough actor, or if he could successfully voice a character. Despite his doubts, he really wanted the opportunity.

You know, it was fascinating talking to Wickham about the film. He confessed that his usual singing style, something he’s done for years, just wasn’t translating to the screen. The director asked him to really dial it back – sometimes even speak the lyrics instead of singing them – and generally make the musical numbers feel more cinematic and impactful. It was a big adjustment for him, apparently, but I think it ultimately served the film well.

I initially felt confident – I believed that’s why I was chosen, as I’m a singer. However, that turned out to be the most challenging aspect, because the producers didn’t want me to maintain my usual vocal style, as Wickham explained.

Once I started singing, it faded into simply inhabiting the character, and that was surprisingly difficult. It was a challenge, perhaps even for my pride as a performer.

Creating the project took a lot of work and careful adjustments, requiring a shift in how David was perceived. Wickham realized he needed to move beyond the traditional image of David as the king and hero he’d been taught about growing up, both at home and in church. While sitting in the pews in Downey, he thought about his journey into music and the growing popularity of Christian entertainment.

As someone who lives for the cinema and music, I quickly realized how much I loved being part of experiences where others felt the same hope and inspiration I used to find when I was alone with my thoughts. Growing up, faith was always around me, but lately I’ve noticed a huge surge in popularity for films and music that really connect with that side of people – it’s amazing to see!

With the release of ‘David’ right now, I believe people are really craving hope. It seems like more and more people are realizing that solutions won’t be found by simply looking at what humans create, so they’re starting to look beyond that, to something greater.

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2025-12-19 22:33