‘House of David’ Star Michael Iskander: ‘God Is Pouring Out His Spirit Onto Media’

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The actor best known for his lead portrayal in House of David says he senses a movement of God in the arts that echoes the Renaissance, the period centuries ago that inspired timeless works of art still admired today.

Michael Iskander became a familiar face to audiences when he took on the role of David in the Wonder Project series, which traces the biblical figure’s journey from humble shepherd to giant-slayer and – ultimately – king of Israel.

House of David became a hit after The Chosen already was one – proving that the success of that latter series was no fluke. Other recent projects include Fox’s The Faithful, the Angel animated movie David, and Wonder Project’s The Old Stories: Moses.

“God is pouring out His Spirit onto media,” Iskander told Crosswalk Headlines when asked his opinion on Bible projects becoming big hits.

“You think about the Renaissance – all the art and all the beauty that came out of that time period was for God,” he added.

The Renaissance sparked an explosion of creativity in the arts and included such legendary artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

“We actually haven't lived with the Internet that long,” Iskander said. “I think it's actually the perfect time for God to step in and say, ‘Hey, I'm wanting to be there for you. I want to be on your screens. I want to be there when you listen to music, when you pray. I want to be surrounding you with my love at every corner of the world, and I'm calling you wherever you are. And so I think that's the ultimate reason for the resurgence.”

Iskander grew up in a household of faith but said his own relationship with God deepened dramatically after taking the role.

“It’s changed everything for me,” he said.

“Everything about David is pointing to Christ. You read Psalm 22: ‘They pierce my hands and feet, they divide my garments among them, they cast lots.’ All of this language is present in the Old Testament, and through David. So it's been transformative for me.

“I always say: I felt like I was dead, and now I'm alive. God gave me my heartbeat, He gave me my breath. Not that I wasn't in the faith already, but I think God is really calling all of us to a deeper love for Him, a deeper conversion, a deeper relationship.”

The second season of House of David is now streaming on Prime Video.

“That's what God is after – He's not after anything else except for the heart.”

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Photo Credit: ©Wonder Project

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.