From the Charts to the Big Screen: Phil Wickham Voices Biblical Icon in New Animated Feature
Phil Wickham’s soaring tenor has long been a staple of the Contemporary Christian Music landscape. With a string of massive hits like “Battle Belongs,” “This Is Amazing Grace,” and his recent 16-week chart-topper “What An Awesome God”—which even made a splash on the Billboard Hot 100—the worship leader’s voice is instantly recognizable. However, starting December 19, audiences will encounter his vocal talents in a remarkably different setting.
Wickham provides the voice for the adult protagonist in David, a sprawling new animated epic distributed by Angel Studios. Produced by Sunrise Animation Studios and directed by Phil Cunningham, the film explores the multifaceted life of the biblical figure. It tracks his meteoric rise from a humble shepherd to the giant-slayer who toppled Goliath, through the turbulent years of King Saul’s envy, and finally to his reign as King of Israel. Notably, the film doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of David’s life, including his profound moral failures.
A Lifelong Ambition Realized
While actor Brandon Engman voices David in his youth, Wickham steps in to portray the character as a seasoned adult. For the singer, the role represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream. “I’ve wanted to voice a character since I was eight years old, singing along to The Lion King soundtrack,” Wickham shared. He expressed deep gratitude for the production team’s dedication, noting the “blood, sweat, and tears” poured into the project by hundreds of creators.
The opportunity arose almost by chance when a mutual acquaintance mentioned that Wickham’s name was being floated during casting discussions. Despite having no formal acting background, Wickham jumped at the chance to audition via Zoom. Rather than a simple scene, he was tasked with a high-stakes confrontation between David and a volatile King Saul.
Finding the Heart of a King
During the audition, casting director Ned Lott pushed Wickham to find the nuance in David’s character—a warrior who remained a shepherd at heart. Initially intimidated by the booming, pre-recorded performance of the actor playing Saul, Wickham’s first take felt “whiny.” Lott reframed the scene: “Picture talking to someone you’ve had a longstanding trust with, but they’ve become senile and paranoid. You respect them, but you have the upper hand.”
The shift in perspective worked. A week later, Wickham received the news he had won the part. In a fitting twist of fate, Lott asked for Wickham’s middle name. When the singer replied “David,” Lott told him, “Well, how would you like for that to be your first name in the movie?”
The Physicality of Voice Acting
Recording in Burbank, California, Wickham discovered that voice acting is a visceral, full-body experience. To capture the sound of David struggling against a crowd, a staffer literally held Wickham back as he strained toward the microphone. In scenes where the character chokes on water, Wickham recorded while actually drinking and spitting into a bowl to ensure absolute realism.
Surprisingly, the most difficult aspect for the Grammy-nominated artist was the singing. “I couldn’t lean on the quirks and habits I’ve developed over the years as a recording artist,” he explained. To stay in character, Wickham had to prioritize raw emotion over “pop vocal” perfection. “David’s voice would be so full of emotion that I was almost talking the lyrics rather than performing them.”
A Spiritual Message Beyond Entertainment
In addition to his voice work, Wickham’s original song “Psalm 8” plays over the closing credits, bridging the film’s narrative with his familiar musical style. While he isn’t sure if traditional acting is in his future, the freedom of voice acting has left him open to future animated roles or video game work.
Ultimately, Wickham hopes the film resonates on a spiritual level. “I hope this movie serves as a hinge point in people’s lives,” he said. “I want them to see that they aren’t alone—that, as David says, the Lord is our shepherd. I hope people are blessed by it in a deep, spiritual way.”
