Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford on Their Transformative Roles in ‘House of David’ – Interview

Prime Video’s ‘House of David’ brings the epic biblical story to life.

Prime Video’s latest biblical epic, House of David, is now streaming, bringing to life one of history’s most iconic stories. The series is based on an idea by Jon Erwin. It is directed by Erwin, Jon Gunn, Alexandra La Roche, and Michael Nankin. The cast features newcomer Michael Iskander (Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway) as David, alongside Ali Suliman (Jack Ryan, Arthur the King) as King Saul, Ayelet Zurer (Angels and Demons, Man of Steel) as Queen Ahinoam, and Stephen Lang (Avatar: The Way of Water, Don’t Breathe) as the prophet Samuel. Also starring are Indy Lewis (Industry, King and Conqueror) as Mychal and Martyn Ford (Mortal Kombat 2, The Sandman) as the formidable Goliath.

The series follows David’s rise from an outcast teenager to Israel’s most celebrated king, while the once-mighty King Saul succumbs to his own downfall. Under the guidance of the prophet Samuel, David must navigate love, loss, and violence as he prepares to fulfill his divine destiny. The Chosen creator, Dallas Jenkins, serves as a special advisor on the project.

In an exclusive interview, Iskander and Ford shared insights into their preparation for the series. Iskander, who makes his television debut as David, immersed himself in the musical traditions of the time to bring authenticity to his portrayal.

Check out the full House of David conversation.

“Music was such a huge part of the show,” Iskander said. “I wanted to inspire the production team to bring the Psalms to life in Hebrew, so I learned the Shema prayer with Eastern ornamentation and sent it to them. They loved it, and it became a part of the series. It felt incredibly special to be able to perform these songs in their original language. There’s something deeply moving about singing the words that David himself might have sung thousands of years ago.”

For Ford, playing Goliath required a different kind of preparation. While he is no stranger to physically imposing roles having recently portrayed Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat 2, he focused on adding depth to his character beyond the legendary battle.

“There’s obviously the physicality of Goliath, but that’s second nature to me,” Ford explained. “What I really wanted to explore was how he sounded, how he carried himself, and his relationships. I didn’t want him to just be a ‘bad guy’—I wanted him to have purpose. I thought a lot about the weight of expectation on Goliath’s shoulders. He was a warrior, but he was also a symbol, and that meant there was more to him than just brute strength.”

Ford also reflected on the parallels between his Goliath and Shao Kahn roles.

“If you look at all the truly great villains, they take something from Goliath—he’s the original. Going from Shao Kahn to Goliath was incredible, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to bring these characters to life. I’ve spent years playing physically dominant roles, but this was the first time I really had the chance to explore the psychology behind such an iconic figure. I wanted to bring out the human side of Goliath—the way he saw himself, the way others saw him, and what it meant for him to face an opponent like David.”

Iskander, who has long admired biblical storytelling, expressed his deep connection to the role.

“Four years ago, I was watching The Chosen and told my family that if I ever got the chance, I’d want to play King David,” he said. “To see that dream come true is a great honor and blessing. I think what makes David such a fascinating character is his complexity—he’s not just a warrior, he’s also a poet, a musician, and someone who struggles with doubt and fear. Playing him wasn’t just about learning how to wield a sling; it was about understanding what drove him, what made him special, and what made him human.”

The series has already captivated audiences with its sweeping storytelling, historical authenticity, and standout performances. With House of David now streaming on Prime Video, both Iskander and Ford hope that viewers will connect with the timeless themes of faith, destiny, and resilience that define the story.

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