Set to hit theaters on March 18, 2026, David is a animated film directed by Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham. Based on a screenplay by Brent Dawes and Sam Wilson, the movie is aimed at children aged 6 and up. It offers a fresh family-friendly take on one of the most iconic stories from the biblical tradition, blending adventure, music, and historical elements. The French voice cast includes notable talents such as Élie Semoun and Fabienne Carat, with songs performed by Timéo Béasse and Jessie Amseli.
Pitched as an epic animated saga, the film continues the tradition of works inspired by ancient tales, aiming to make this story accessible to children while preserving its symbolic depth. The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes.
David is a young shepherd with a cheerful and luminous personality, whose melodious voice captivates his family and catches the eye of King Saul. Gifted with a unique talent and a deep sensitivity, he grows up in a world fraught with tensions and external threats looming over his people.
When the giant Goliath spreads chaos, David steps forward alone, armed only with a sling, a few stones, and unwavering faith. This heroic act sets the stage for an extraordinary destiny: that of a child who becomes king, whose bravery and loyalty will help safeguard the very soul of a kingdom.
Directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, David continues the tradition of animated films inspired by biblical and historical stories. It follows in the footsteps of well-known classics like The Prince of Egypt and, more recently, The King of Kings. The project aims for an epic storytelling approach, with music and song playing a central role in conveying a foundational tale to a new generation of viewers.
The French dubbing places a strong emphasis on the musical aspect. The supervision of the songs was entrusted to Georges Costa, a renowned music director known for his work on Aladdin, The Lion King, and more recently, The Bad Guys. This decision highlights the vital role that musical sequences play in conveying emotion and advancing the story.
Designed for a family audience, David strikes a balance between adventure, emotional depth, and the conveyance of universal values like courage, faith, and loyalty. The pacing is crafted to engage young viewers, while offering a more symbolic interpretation for accompanying adults.
With its musical approach and sweeping narrative scope, the film appeals to viewers who enjoy epic animated tales, while also providing an accessible and educational entry point into a foundational story from biblical history.
David
Animated film | 2026
In theaters: March 18, 2026
Animation, biopic, family, historical | Runtime: 1h49
Directed by Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham | Featuring voices by Élie Semoun and Fabienne Carat
Original title: David
Country: United States
With David, the filmmakers offer a lively, musical retelling of a universal myth, blending elements of a coming-of-age story with a tradition of storytelling, at the crossroads of family entertainment and historical epic.
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