The story of the Biblical animated film David at the box office is now one of the more unexpected developments of the holiday movie season.
According to Forbes, the animated Biblical musical David delivered a $22 million domestic opening weekend, setting a new all-time opening record for faith-based distributor Angel Studios. The performance surpassed the studio’s previous record holder, Sound of Freedom, which opened to $19.6 million in 2023.
David in the Biblical film David – Angel Studios
The strong debut placed David at No. 2 at the U.S. box office, behind only James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, and marked the largest opening ever for an animated release from Angel Studios, topping The King of Kings ($19.4 million).
A Breakout Opening for Angel Studios
David opened in 3,118 North American theaters, a sizable footprint for a faith-based animated release. The film tells the Biblical story of King David through a family-friendly musical format and is rated PG.
The project was produced after Angel Studios acquired the David intellectual property in partnership with 2521 Entertainment, a deal that also includes a planned five-part animated series. The film features voice performances from Phil Wickham as David, Brandon Engman as the young David, and Brian Stivale as Samuel, and was directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes.
A screenshot from David – Angel Studios
Angel Studios executives framed the opening as a validation of audience demand for values-driven theatrical content during the Christmas corridor, particularly from families seeking alternatives to mainstream studio releases.
Rumors of Studio Pressure Begin Circulating
As David’s box office success began making headlines, a separate and far more controversial narrative emerged online.
We’re now learning that Disney and Paramount are allegedly bullying theaters out of showing David. We’ve seen stunts like this tried before… #PromoteDavid https://t.co/7EHIjtZZOA
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 19, 2025
In the days leading up to the film’s release, Riley Gaines posted on X claiming that Disney and Paramount Pictures were “allegedly bullying theaters out of showing David.” Gaines’ post quickly gained traction, amassing more than 1 million views.
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Actor Rob Schneider also spread the allegation in a publicly posted Instagram video, repeating claims that major studios were attempting to pressure theaters to reduce or avoid screenings of the film.
It is important to note that these claims remain unverified.
What Is — and Isn’t — Confirmed
At present:
- No theater chains have confirmed receiving pressure from Disney or Paramount
- No trade publications such as Variety, Deadline, or The Hollywood Reporter have substantiated the allegation
- Neither Disney nor Paramount has issued a public response addressing the claims
- No legal filings, exhibitor statements, or internal communications have been made public
A screenshot from the Biblical movie David – Angel Studios
What is confirmed is that multiple public figures are making the allegation, and that those claims have become part of the online conversation surrounding the film’s release.
A “David vs. Goliath” Narrative
Still, the symbolism has not gone unnoticed.
Even without evidence of interference, David’s opening weekend has been framed by supporters as a symbolic “David vs. Goliath” moment — an independent, faith-based animated film outperforming expectations during a competitive holiday window dominated by legacy Hollywood studios.
David in the movie David – Angel Studios
What cannot be disputed is the box office result itself. The David box office performance represents a major win for Angel Studios that demonstrates the continued commercial viability of faith-based theatrical releases — even in an industry increasingly dominated by franchise sequels and established IP from major conglomerates.
For now, David stands as one of the holiday season’s most notable success stories — with its box office record firmly documented, and the surrounding controversy still unresolved.
How do you feel about the box office performance of David? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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