On the eve of the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of House of David, AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen sat down with filmmaker Jon Gunn at the Nashville premiere to discuss the epic biblical drama, its cinematic scope, and the vision behind Wonder Project’s bold storytelling. Premiering exclusively on Wonder Project’s subscription offering on Prime Video in the U.S. on October 5, 2025, Season 2 follows David’s transformation from shepherd to warrior as Israel teeters on the brink of collapse, with shifting alliances, forbidden love, and a clash between faith and power shaping the nation’s future.
A Cinematic Celebration
The Nashville premiere was a spectacle, with 1,800 fans filling a theater to celebrate House of David. Gunn reflected on the experience, noting, “It was really fun to watch it in a theater… It reminded me of just how cinematic the show really is. It holds up as a movie experience.” The scale of the production, shot on location in Greece, brought an authentic, gritty realism to the series. “We chose Greece for a reason,” Gunn explained. “We built our houses and sets on the land, went to the tops of mountains, brought dozens of horses out in the fields with guys with swords, and did it all for real.”
This commitment to practical filmmaking paid off, immersing audiences in a world that feels both ancient and immediate. The sweeping landscapes and meticulously crafted sets underscore the show’s earthy, grounded tone, a hallmark of Gunn’s vision.
A Story of Transformation
Season 2 of House of David dives deeper into David’s journey, set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil. As Saul’s reign falters and the Bronze Age gives way to the Iron Age, David evolves from a humble shepherd to a formidable warrior. “It’s a season of transformation,” Gunn shared. “The world is changing, David is changing, and all the relationships are impacted dramatically by that shift. It’s epic, emotional, fun, funny, and has a ton of heart.”
The series doesn’t shy away from the era’s brutality or the personal costs of destiny. Gunn emphasized, “This is a show that does not shy away from the difficulty of stepping into your own destiny, the price you pay for being anointed, but also the charm, comedy, and relatable family relationships.” This balance of grit and heart has resonated deeply with audiences, making House of David a standout in faith-based storytelling.
Wonder Project’s Vision
Gunn, Head of Story for Wonder Project, sees the platform as a unique space for curated, family-friendly content. “We’re bringing our art, our taste, and our understanding of our audience to say, ‘We think you’re going to love these shows and movies,’” he said. Unlike mainstream streamers, Wonder Project aims to provide premium content that families can watch without concern. “There’s a lot of people who don’t feel comfortable sitting their kids in front of Netflix or Amazon,” Gunn noted. “Our promise is you can watch this stuff without concern, and you’re going to love all of it.”
Wonder Project’s launch, which Gunn described as a “Hail Mary” moment, reflects the team’s passion for creating meaningful stories. “We’re investing so much of ourselves,” he said, expressing hope that audiences will embrace the platform’s unique vision.
A Personal Connection
As a preacher’s kid, Gunn’s journey into filmmaking was shaped by his faith and a desire to tell stories that matter. “I remember praying in college, ‘If you let me make movies for a living, I’ll make them for you,’” he recalled. This promise has driven his career, pushing him to elevate the quality of faith-based content. “The quality of filmmaking in the faith space has often not been great,” he admitted. “I realized I’m going to be held to that promise, so I have to keep forging a path to become better.”
This personal mission shines through in House of David, particularly in moments that resonate unexpectedly with viewers. Gunn shared a story from a high school friend who found hope in a Season 1 scene where David, facing a life-threatening moment, declares his purpose. “That completely struck my heart and gave me so much hope,” she told him. “You tell great stories with the right intention, and it will reach people in so many different ways,” Gunn reflected.
Casting a King
Finding the right David was crucial, and Gunn admitted it was a long process. “It took a long time to find that kid, but when we did, we knew we had a show,” he said. The cast, including standout performances like Michael Iskander’s, brings authenticity and power to the series. AMFM’s Paul Salfen added “But it’s also really cool to see Stephen Lang (Samuel) in there too, because he’s amazing.” Gunn added, ” He is just extraordinary. And I mean, I’ve always known he’s a great actor, but the way he inhabits this character, …,really is one of those things. Watching him every day on set is just such a gift – and he brings so much truth and so much power to that role.”
Advice for Aspiring Storytellers
For those inspired by Gunn’s work, he offered hard-earned advice: “You have to have a genuine passion for it because it is extremely hard. What makes it hard is what makes it worth doing.” He urged aspiring filmmakers to pursue excellence relentlessly and pour their heart into compelling stories. “Get good at what you do, and make sure you put your full heart and soul into it,” he advised.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Gunn is excited about potential projects, including a Season 3 of House of David, a film about the Wright brothers, and an origin story for It’s a Wonderful Life. “I love what I do,” he said. “I never get tired of creating stories, collaborating with great artists, and sharing stories that move people.”
As House of David Season 2 premieres, Gunn hopes audiences feel the love and soul poured into the series. With its blend of epic storytelling, emotional depth, and faith-driven purpose, the show is poised to inspire and unite viewers in a time when hope is needed most.
Don’t miss House of David Season 2, streaming exclusively on Wonder Project via Prime Video starting October 5, 2025. Visit Wonder Project for more information.
*CORRECTION: AMFM Magazine regrets the error, but previously, we included the information that Jon Gunn is a co-founder of Wonder Project. He is actually the Head of Story.
