David
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“It’s De Rigeur”: House of David’s Stephen Lang On Why He Had To Do a Biblical Epic [Exclusive]
Stephen Lang, the seasoned actor known for his commanding performances in films like Avatar and Don’t Breathe, is embarking on a remarkable new role in House of David, a Biblical epic exploring one of history’s most iconic and tumultuous figures – King David. But this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill role for Lang. This is a performance that speaks to the actor’s deep belief in storytelling and its ability to shape history, a passion that has driven him for years.
“I’ve always wanted to take on a role that not only challenges me but also places me in a context as powerful as the Bible,” Lang shares, his voice carrying the weight of someone who has thought long and hard about this. “I wanted to work with a story that resonated not only through its words but also through its significance. House of David is exactly that — it’s de rigeur, it’s necessary, it’s an exploration of a man who was both a warrior and a poet, whose story has influenced generations.”
The project marks a monumental shift in Lang’s career. A versatile actor who has shone in both contemporary and historical dramas, he admits that he’s always been drawn to roles with depth, ones that delve into the internal complexities of the characters he portrays. And when the script for House of David landed on his desk, Lang was immediately hooked.
“The script drew me in because it wasn’t just about King David’s victories; it focused on his humanity,” Lang says. “The story of David is one of monumental faith, betrayal, love, ambition, and redemption. And that’s what we, as actors, live for: a narrative that allows us to explore the full range of the human experience.”
For Lang, playing King David was not just about portraying a historical figure but embodying the weight of a story that has influenced both religion and culture for centuries. “David’s story is so much bigger than any one performance. It’s about faith, struggle, and the complex nature of leadership,” he reflects. “The Bible is filled with stories of great men, but David, as both the warrior king and the poet who wrote the Psalms, is a particularly rich character. And for an actor, that’s an invitation to dive deep into the psyche of someone who walked this fine line between divinity and human imperfection.”
Lang, an actor who is known for transforming into his characters, found that researching David was unlike anything he had done before. “I spent hours reading not just the biblical texts but also the interpretations, the historical accounts, the art, the poetry. There’s something deeply symbolic about David. He’s someone who rises to greatness despite the odds, who defies expectations time and time again. But he’s also full of contradictions. He’s a flawed individual, and that’s what makes him so fascinating,” he explains.
In order to truly understand David, Lang turned to not only religious texts but also to the various portrayals of the biblical king throughout history. “I watched countless films, plays, and read interpretations from different cultures. There’s so much depth to David’s character, and each interpretation sheds new light on his legacy.” But it wasn’t just academic work that prepared Lang for the role. His background in theater, where he has spent years embodying larger-than-life figures, helped him harness the power of such an iconic character.
“We as actors have a unique responsibility to bring something new to a figure who has been portrayed so many times before,” Lang says, referring to the legacy of David’s depiction in film and art. “But I don’t want to give you just another version of David. I want to give you a King David who feels real, who feels alive, and whose internal struggle is palpable. I wanted to get inside his mind, to understand the tension between his divine calling and his very human failings.”
That is where House of David finds its distinct voice. The film doesn’t merely recount the events of David’s life but provides a nuanced and human exploration of his inner world. Lang’s portrayal taps into the very heart of a man struggling with the weight of his destiny. “David wasn’t just a man of war or faith; he was a man who faced constant conflict, whether it was with his own desires or his family. That’s the type of internal struggle I wanted to focus on.”
One of the pivotal aspects of House of David is the relationship between David and his son, Solomon, who would eventually succeed him as king. Lang speaks with palpable enthusiasm about the emotional core of this father-son relationship, which plays a key role in the film. “The father-son dynamic is central to the story,” Lang explains. “David’s relationship with Solomon is one of both guidance and tension. It’s a reflection of the larger themes of legacy and inheritance, but also of how love and conflict intertwine.”
Lang’s portrayal of David also brings a unique physicality to the character. Known for his imposing presence on-screen, Lang has often played roles that require physicality, such as in Avatar and The Men Who Stare at Goats. But in House of David, his body becomes a reflection of the emotional weight he carries. “I wanted my physicality to reflect David’s dual nature,” Lang shares. “He’s a warrior, but he’s also a poet. His body has carried both the burden of his battles and the grace of his spiritual journey. The film isn’t just about what he does—it’s about what he feels, how his soul is constantly at war with his actions.”
The actor’s work in the film also ties into the larger theme of what it means to lead. “What makes House of David so special is that it isn’t a story about a flawless leader; it’s about a flawed man who is trying to lead despite his flaws. And in that, we find something relatable for today’s world. Leadership, whether in politics, in families, or in personal endeavors, is never perfect, and that’s the beauty of David’s story.”
As Lang prepares for the film’s release, he reflects on the larger impact House of David may have. “This is not just a movie about a king,” Lang says. “It’s a story that speaks to anyone who’s struggled with their faith, their purpose, and the complexity of leadership. It’s about the human spirit—the eternal struggle between our highest aspirations and our deepest flaws.”
For Lang, House of David is more than just another film; it’s a milestone in his career—a chance to work on a story that transcends time and speaks to universal human truths. As he says, “It’s a role I had to do. A story like this is rare, and the opportunity to bring it to life, to work with such a rich character, is truly special.”
Ultimately, Lang’s portrayal of David may just be one of the most powerful and insightful performances of his career, and it’s one that he hopes will leave a lasting impression on audiences long after the credits roll.
