Why ‘The King of Kings’ Stands Out?: Angel Studios’ Animated Movie with an Excellent Cast is Topping PVOD Charts

Angel Studios’ The King of Kings offers a new animated portrayal of Jesus’ life, framed through the storytelling of Charles Dickens to his son. This approach, combined with a notable voice cast, presents a version of the story that resonates with both children and adults. This article delves into the film’s narrative, its connection to Dickens’ work, the ensemble cast, and its broader impact.

What Is the Movie About?

The King of Kings is an animated film that tells the story of Jesus Christ through the perspective of Charles Dickens narrating to his son, Walter. As the tale unfolds, Walter imagines himself witnessing the events of Jesus’ life, from his birth to resurrection. This framing device offers a unique lens through which audiences can engage with the biblical narrative.

Who Stars in the Movie?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Uma Thurman (@umathurman)

Angel Studios has brought together a strong ensemble of voice actors, blending Hollywood veterans with recognizable talent to bring weight and familiarity to this retelling of Jesus’ life. Here’s a closer look at who voices whom:

• Oscar Isaac as Jesus Christ
  Known for his roles in Dune, Moon Knight, and Ex Machina, Isaac brings a calm yet grounded voice to the role of Jesus. His delivery is centered, reflective, and holds the emotional weight required for a character who remains the core of the film’s spiritual journey.

• Kenneth Branagh as Charles Dickens
  Branagh, who has portrayed a wide range of historical and fictional characters in his long career, lends his voice to Dickens. He narrates the story to his son, Walter, framing the entire narrative. His voice sets the tone for the film, moving between warm storytelling and deep reflection.

• Uma Thurman as Catherine Dickens
  Thurman voices Dickens’ wife, a more background presence but still an emotional anchor in the scenes set in the Dickens household. She adds balance to the family dynamics as the film weaves in and out of the storytelling.

• Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate
  Brosnan plays Pilate, the Roman governor known for presiding over Jesus’ trial. His voice brings a mix of authority and internal conflict, capturing Pilate’s historical role in Jesus’ crucifixion.

• Mark Hamill as King Herod
  Hamill, famous for Star Wars and his extensive voice work, plays Herod with theatrical energy. His portrayal adds menace and unpredictability to the character, matching the biblical king’s infamous actions.

• Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas
  Kingsley voices Caiaphas, one of the temple leaders involved in Jesus’ arrest and trial. His voice adds weight to the complex relationship between political power and religious control depicted in the story.

• Forest Whitaker as Peter
  Whitaker brings depth to the role of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. His voice captures both Peter’s loyalty and his moments of failure, offering a layered portrayal of a man grappling with faith and fear.

• Roman Griffin Davis as Walter Dickens
  The young actor from Jojo Rabbit voices Walter, the imaginative and curious son of Charles Dickens. He acts as the child’s point of view in the film, envisioning himself inside the biblical story as his father reads aloud.

Supporting Voice Cast:

• Jim Cummings (known for Winnie the Pooh)
• James Arnold Taylor (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Dee Bradley Baker (The Bad Batch)
• Vanessa Marshall (Rebels)
• Fred Tatasciore (Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes)

Connection to The Life of Our Lord

The movie draws inspiration from Charles Dickens’ The Life of Our Lord, a book he wrote for his children to convey the teachings of Jesus. By integrating Dickens as a character in the film, narrating the story to his son, the movie pays homage to the original intent of the book—making the life and lessons of Jesus accessible to younger audiences.

Key Insights from the Film’s Success

According to an article from First Things, the success of The King of Kings highlights several important aspects:

• Audience Engagement: The film caters to families seeking content that is both entertaining and meaningful, filling a gap in faith-based animated storytelling.

• Repeat Viewings: Animated films, by their nature, often become favorites for repeated viewing, especially among children. This repeatability contributes to the film’s lasting presence in households.

• Timelessness of Animation: Animation allows stories to transcend specific eras, making them relatable across generations.

• Trust in Content: Parents are more inclined to allow repeated viewings of content they deem appropriate and valuable, which The King of Kings offers through its respectful and engaging portrayal of biblical events.

Where to Stream?

The King of Kings is available for streaming on Angel Studios’ platform. It can also be purchased or rented through services like Apple TV and Fandango At Home. For those interested in experiencing the film in theaters, it is currently showing in various locations across the United States.

Trailer: