The new season of the hit series House of David is now streaming, and its star is on a mission to make an ancient story feel fresh and relatable. Michael Iskander, who plays the title role, wants audiences to see the famous king not as a perfect, larger-than-life statue, but as a real person who made mistakes, just like anyone else.
Season 2 of the biblical drama premiered on October 5, 2025, exclusively on the Wonder Project subscription channel via Prime Video. The show picks up right after David’s legendary defeat of Goliath, charting his turbulent rise from a young shepherd to a formidable warrior and leader.
Michael Iskander’s Vision for David
For Michael Iskander, the appeal of playing David lies in the character’s profound complexity. The actor aims to bridge the gap between the iconic figure and the modern viewer.
“We see these Biblical figures and we think they’re so much larger than life. My personal goal was to bridge that gap and to show people … they make mistakes just like us,” Iskander explained.
He points to the well-known story of David and Bathsheba as a key example of the character’s flaws, noting that this is a man who was simultaneously deeply flawed and known as “the man after God’s own heart.” Iskander believes this contradiction is the core of the story, exploring how a heart dedicated to God can lead someone to defeat giants but also commit grave errors.
What to Expect in Season 2
According to creators and the cast, the second season is a major expansion of the story. Co-creator Jon Gunn described it as “bigger, deeper, more ambitious.” While the first season introduced David as a young shepherd, season 2 focuses on his transformation into a warrior and leader, a journey that comes at a great cost.
The season begins with a massive, epic battle episode that immediately follows the death of Goliath. A central theme this season is the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, symbolized by the sword of Goliath. As weapons are forged in fire, so too is David’s character.
Iskander shared that his character goes on a “roller coaster” this season, moving from battlefield triumph into the complex world of palace politics and leadership. David is no longer just responsible for himself; he now has to lead an army and navigate dangerous political waters.
Key Relationships and Conflicts
The complicated relationship between David and King Saul is a central drama of the new season. Iskander describes it as “one of the most heartbreaking stories,” showcasing how jealousy and pride can destroy relationships, while also illustrating what true humility looks like.
Another critical dynamic is the beautiful yet layered friendship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, knows that David is destined to take the throne that he himself might have inherited. Despite this, he supports and trains David, preparing him for the very role that will supersede his own claim.
The season also delves into David’s tense relationship with his eldest brother, Eliab, who struggles with his younger brother’s sudden rise to fame and power.
A Show for a Wide Audience
House of David has proven to be a major success, drawing more than 44 million viewers worldwide and becoming a No. 1 show on Prime Video. Its appeal, however, extends beyond a religious audience. The show is part of a new wave of faith-based projects, following the success of The Chosen, that use high production values, stunning cinematography, and suspenseful plots to reach a broad viewership.
Iskander says that people from all walks of life, not just Christians, have approached him to talk about how much they love the show. The creators hope that the series’ focus on universal themes—like family, friendship, betrayal, and pursuing one’s destiny—will resonate with everyone, whether they are familiar with the Bible or not.
Behind the Scenes
To prepare for David’s more physical role in season 2, Iskander put on 15 pounds of muscle and trained extensively with the stunt team to master sword-fighting. He joked that in the first season, all he wanted was a sword, and this season, he finally got his wish.
The actor also worked with a real shepherd to learn how to handle sheep, a experience that helped him understand the mundane, daily tasks that shaped David’s character. He even faced some challenges, recalling that the sheep initially “hated me, they wanted nothing to do with me.”
Looking ahead, Iskander is also working on an album of Psalms in Hebrew, inspired by his work on the show. He sent a sample of the music to the producers, who loved the idea, leading to Hebrew Psalms being sprinkled throughout the season.
Also Read: House of David Season 2 Begins: After Goliath Falls, a Kingdom Begins to Crumble
