Staff Column: King of Kings by: Brett Briggeman

King of Kings (2025) is an animated Angel Studios production and began its theatrical run on April 11. 

The movie is directed by Seong-ho Jang and is written by Seong-ho Jang, as well as Hoseok Sung, Rob Edwards and Jamie Thomason. Rated PG, the film explores the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through a storytelling lens based around Charles Dickens and his family. The film is loosely based on Dickens' book, The Life of Our Lord, which he wrote for his children, basing it on the Gospel of Luke.

The movie begins with an animated Charles Dickens, voiced by Kenneth Branagh, performing a scene from his work A Christmas Carol, which is interrupted by the antics of his youngest son, Walter Dickens, voiced by Roman Griffin Davis, caused by his obsession with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Charles Dickens’ wife, Catherine Dickens, voiced by Uma Thurman, convinces Charles to use this opportunity of Walter loving stories about Kings to share with him the story of Christ, the King of Kings.

As the story progresses, Walter becomes more interested in the life of Jesus Christ, voiced by Oscar Isaac. The film beautifully combines imagination with storytelling, allowing the viewer and Walter to experience the story as it is being told, watching key events of the ministry of Jesus take place as bystanders, and even interacting with the world they are exploring.

From the birth of Christ and the evil intent of King Herod, voiced by Mark Hamill, to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the film walks Walter and the viewer through every moment, explaining the purpose of Christ on earth and His love for humanity. 

Whenever I watch any form of Christian media, especially when it comes to something that portrays the life of Christ, I am always curious as to how they are going to portray certain aspects of His life and ministry. Sadly, many Christian pieces of media seem to either portray Christ as wooden or overly emotional, failing to capture both the divine and human aspects of our Lord. 

However, I am happy to report that King of Kings seems to balance the divinity and humanity of Christ well. Even in instances where the script quotes scripture directly, the way it is done works in a way that feels natural. While the movie does not follow scripture verse by verse, the viewer has to remember that that is not the purpose of the film. The purpose of King of Kings is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that is so simple that even a child can understand it. That is why I believe they based the movie around the telling of a story to a child, so that the simplicity of the Gospel could shine through. 

Something that many may worry about is how the movie handles the torture and crucifixion of Christ. The film does not shy away from these aspects, even showing both. However, it is done in a way where much of it is up to the imagination of the viewer for what is happening, specifically for the beating of Christ and nailing Him to the cross. 

The message of King of Kings is clear, stated multiple times by the characters and even in a verse during the credits. Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, who came to save and redeem the world from their sins. He chose to give His life for ours, taking our place and punishment on the cross so that we could be redeemed and reconciled to God. 

I highly recommend this movie, loving almost every single aspect about it. It is my prayer that many would go this Easter season to see this movie, and that God would use it to reach many for the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Father God, thank you for your Son. Jesus, you are the King of Kings. Thank you for your sacrifice and for your blood, poured out for us on the cross. Remind us this Easter season of why you came, remind us of your unfailing love for us. Strengthen us and help us show this love to others. Help us to be faithful ministers of your Gospel, preaching Christ with both our speech and conduct. For yours is the name above all names. None other has done what you have to reach a broken and sinful world. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the Cross. To you, O God, be all the glory, praise, and honor forever. Amen.