'David' Stars Brandon Engman and Brian Stivale Talk About Their Roles - Interview

Angel Studios’ animated musical feature 'David' is set to arrive in the middle of Advent on Friday, December 19, 2025, a deliberate release timing that underscores the film’s themes of faith, calling and hope. The studio is also continuing its pay-it-forward initiative, allowing audiences to purchase tickets on behalf of individuals and families who might not otherwise be able to afford a theatrical experience, reinforcing the film’s mission of accessibility and community-centered storytelling.

At the heart of 'David' is a sweeping retelling of the biblical shepherd who becomes a king, told through music, animation and spiritual intimacy. The story begins not with spectacle, but with devotion shaped by a mother’s love, a young boy’s worship and the quiet guidance of God Almighty. As Israel faces terror under the shadow of Goliath, the narrative follows a boy whose faith outweighs armor and whose courage is forged long before the battlefield. David’s journey unfolds as one marked by pursuit, purpose and testing, leading to conflicts that challenge loyalty, love, obedience and ultimately to a struggle not merely for power, but for the spiritual destiny of a nation.

Brandon Engman gives voice to Young David, bringing emotional nuance, musicality and vulnerability to the character’s formative years. Engman’s background as an actor, dancer and singer allows him to embody David’s inner life with authenticity, balancing youthful innocence with a growing sense of divine calling. His voice acting experience is equally significant, which also includes performing as Young David animated series. His training at NYU Tisch is evident in the emotional precision and sincerity he brings to the role, anchoring the film’s spiritual core through song and performance.

Opposite him, Brian Stivale voices the Prophet Samuel, delivering a performance shaped by decades of experience across animation, video games, narration and faith-based storytelling. Stivale’s voice carries weight, authority and spiritual gravitas, qualities essential to portraying the prophet who discerns God’s will and anoints Israel’s future king. A veteran voice actor with credits spanning Marvel, DC, major video game franchises, and award-winning narration work, Stivale is also deeply connected to the biblical world he represents. As a former Jerusalem resident, official Goodwill Ambassador to the State of Israel and pastor actively teaching Hebrew roots and biblical archaeology, his portrayal of Samuel is informed by lived faith and scholarship. This depth brings a resonant authenticity to the character’s guidance, warnings, and prophetic presence throughout the film.

Together, Engman and Stivale help define the emotional and spiritual architecture of 'David'. Their performances bridge youth and wisdom, promise and prophecy, shaping a musical epic that emphasizes obedience over ambition and faith over fear. With its Advent release, communal pay-it-forward model, and richly layered voice performances, 'David' positions itself as both a cinematic event and a devotional experience, inviting audiences into a timeless story told with renewed heart and purpose.

'David' comes to theaters on Friday, December 19, 2025.

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