‘House of David’ Star Michael Iskander Teases ‘Transformative’ Season 2 [Interview]
David is stepping into the role he was destined to play in House of David Season 2.
Series star Michael Iskander says audiences will see a different David in the second season of the epic Biblical drama, which premieres October 5 on The Wonder Project on Prime Video.
“Season two is really a transformative season for David,” the actor told Showbiz Cheat Sheet in an interview. “We see this kind of young boy, this young shepherd transform and become a man and become a warrior, become someone who is confident in himself, someone who is confident in God’s plan for him, and someone who’s not afraid to step up to the truth and to fight for what’s right.”
David goes from shepherd to warrior in ‘House of David’ Season 2
Much of David’s transformation in season 2 is internal, as he wrestles with the knowledge that he is meant to be Israel’s future king. But there’s a physical shift as well. Iskander put on 15 pounds between seasons and worked with the stunt team to master the sword-fighting techniques necessary to bring this season’s battle sequences to life.
“In season 1, I kept thinking to myself, I really just want a sword,” Iskander laughed, recalling how he watched other actors with their weapons while he had just the sling his character needed to defeat the giant Goliath.
The season 2 premiere picks immediately following the events of the season 1 finale. Goliath is dead, but the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines is still raging.
“There’s so much more action, and David is kind of at the forefront of that,” Iskander said. “He’s now a commander, so he’s leading these battles.”
The demanding action sequences often required learning fight choreography just 30 minutes before filming, or even improvising moves on the spot. Iskander credited the stunt team for making him “look so good,” emphasizing the collaborative nature of creating convincing battle scenes.
“I didn’t always land the perfect hits, but they sell it … It’s not me, it’s them,” he said.
David’s ‘heartbreaking’ relationship with King Saul
Beyond the battlefield, House of David Season 2 explores David and Mychal’s (Indy Lewis) romance. Iskander described them as “star-crossed lovers” who must constantly fight for their relationship.
“Every time they feel like everything’s going to be great, something hops in the way,” he said, noting that while audiences may know the outcome of their story, the characters themselves are uncertain about their future.
The season also delves into family dynamics, including David’s conflicts with his brother. It’s a moment that will be relatable to many viewers, Iskander said.
“Who hasn’t fought with their siblings?” he pointed out.
Of course, there’s also David’s complicated relationship with King Saul (Ali Suliman).
“That’s one of the relationships that I really can’t wait for people to see,” Iskander said. “Because it really kind of pulls away at any mask any of these characters have. You really see what’s on their inside. And specifically with Saul and David, I mean, it’s one of the most heartbreaking stories. It’s a challenge. From David’s perspective, how do you respect your king when there’s a lot of jealousy and pride that steps in?”
“I think it’s a good lesson for people to, one, know what pride truly is and how it can destroy relationships,” he added. “But also it showcases what true humility is and how to build up relationships.”
Finding the human side of a legend
David is a legendary figure. But Iskander – who said he drew inspiration for his performance from Marlon Brando‘s Mark Antony in 1953’s Julius Caesar – is focused on finding the humanity behind the myth.
“We forget David was a human being and he was trying to figure himself out, and he made a lot of mistakes on the way,” he said. “He’s a person who struggled with the same things that we struggled with.”
The actor said that he often reflected on the day-to-day challenges that David would have faced, whether it was chasing lost sheep or pulling thorns from his feet.
“I think that’s really what makes someone human, is doing the mundane tasks,” he said. “And in the case of David, those tasks were preparing him for something much bigger that he never expected.”
Ultimately, Iskander hopes audiences will embrace the season’s central message about looking beyond surfaces to see what’s truly in a person’s heart.
“God chose David because of his heart,” he said. “I encourage people to see that story and to not look at the outward appearance, but look at people’s hearts and to see the humanity in everyone. I think if people started looking at the heart more, then the world would be a better place.”
House of David Season 2 premieres Sunday, October 5 on The Wonder Project on Prime Video.
For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
