According to a report by Forbes, four of the top ten films during the weekend were faith-based, including each of the three-part theatrical release of "The Chosen: Last Supper," a special installment of the popular Christian television series.
"The King of Kings," produced by the same studio behind the 2023 hit "Sound of Freedom," follows writer Charles Dickens as he teaches his son about Jesus Christ. The animated feature recorded the largest opening weekend ever for a biblical animated film, surpassing "The Prince of Egypt," which made $14.5 million in 1998 and went on to win an Oscar.
The film features a high-profile voice cast including Oscar Isaac as Jesus, with additional roles voiced by Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, and Forest Whitaker.
Political commentator Benny Johnson praised the film’s performance, saying its success proves that “the demand for faith-based, non-woke entertainment is undeniable.” This comes as some recent releases, such as Disney’s controversial Snow White remake, have underperformed amid accusations of being “woke.”
Human Events Daily Host Jack Posobiec also encouraged families last month to see "The King of Kings," posting on X: “Skip Snow Woke” and “take your kids to see the King instead!”
Distributor Angel Studios employed several unique marketing strategies to promote the film, including a “pay-it-forward” system allowing audience members to purchase tickets for those who couldn’t afford them. The studio also offered free admission for children attending with an adult for a limited time.
Jordan Harmon, co-founder of Angel Studios, told Variety the studio saw success with the film because “people haven’t been fulfilling this massive of an audience for that long in terms of the animated space."
