In a surprising turn of events, the South African animated musical “David” opened with an impressive US$22 million at the US box office, securing second place behind the blockbuster “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The film, which is rooted in biblical themes, was crafted by Angel Studios and helmed by South African directors Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes at Cape Town’s Sunrise Animation Studios.
The studio remarked, “In an upset reminiscent of David vs. Goliath, our biblical animation triumphed over both “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants” and “The Housemaid” in North America.” The only film to outshine “David” during its debut weekend was James Cameron’s latest instalment in the Avatar franchise, which launched simultaneously.
Angel Studios hailed this debut as their most successful opening weekend to date, even surpassing “Sound of Freedom,” which has grossed over US$250 million worldwide. Additionally, “David” marks the highest-grossing opening weekend for a faith-based animated feature in the US, outpacing notable films such as “The King of Kings” and the Oscar-winning “The Prince of Egypt.”
The success of “David” also sets it apart as the highest-grossing opening for a South African film in North America since Neil Blomkamp’s critically acclaimed “District 9” in 2009. As the film continues its theatrical run, it has already grossed over US$75 million in just four weeks within North America.
According to Box Office Mojo, “David” now ranks 35th among the highest-grossing films of 2025 in American cinemas and is positioned within the top 10 for animated features, even before its theatrical run concludes.
Featuring Grammy-nominated Phil Wickham as the voice of adult David, the film features a score composed by Joseph Trapanese, known for his work on “The Greatest Showman.” In addition to its screenings in North America and South Africa, Angel Studios plans to release “David” in 44 international markets by January 1, 2027.
Beyond its financial achievements, “David” has garnered positive reviews, with an average critic score of 77% and an audience score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. The New York Times praised its artistic details as “surprisingly magnificent,” while Variety described it as “a spectacular showcase for the technical prowess of Sunrise Productions.”
The production took a decade to complete, with Cunningham and Dawes at the helm, collaborating with over 400 artists and crew members from around the globe, working both at Sunrise’s Noordhoek studio and remotely from 32 different countries.
Cunningham expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s heartening to hear stories of how our film is genuinely uplifting and inspiring audiences.” He also remarked on the team’s incredible dedication to making this project a reality.
Dawes reflected on the experience, highlighting the collaborative spirit among individuals from diverse backgrounds. “It was truly a privilege to witness so many people come together, sharing a vision and working tirelessly to bring ‘David’ to life. This film was destined to be; we all felt it, and I feel immensely privileged to have been part of such a meaningful project.”
