The crowning glory of June came to The Kennedy Center with the debut of “The King of Kings” on Sunday.
The Kennedy Center, based in Washington, D.C., debuted the family-friendly film by Angel Studios to sold out audiences, the Daily Wire reported.
“This animated film is the perfect family experience, and we are thrilled to bring a special viewing to the Kennedy Center,” Ambassador Richard Grenell, president of The John F. Kennedy Center, said in a press release. “When I saw the advertising campaign for ‘The King of Kings,’ I immediately knew we needed to have it come to the Kennedy Center. Coincidentally, I was asked to be on a panel with the CEO of Angel Studios, so I cornered him. This is family-friendly programming that we will be doing more of in the future.”
Jordan Harmon, president of Angel distribution company, said the film’s success is a testament to what the audience wants to see.
“The success of the film proves that when you give the audience the power to choose, they’ll elevate stories that matter and that will amplify light to families around the globe. The Kennedy Center has the pulse on art and entertainment that is impacting our culture, and to see this film celebrated there is a victory for faith, family, and the future of storytelling,” Harmon said.
The animated film tells the life of Jesus.
A prayer wall was filled with requests, an official said.
The movie has grossed about $66.9 million worldwide as of May 22.
According to a synopsis of the film, “A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.”
President Donald Trump replaced the center’s board and put Special Envoy Richard Grenell as the center’s president.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN. Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” Trump wrote.
The film showcases an all-star cast, including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac. Singer, Kristin Chenoweth preforms “Live Like That,” an original song, per Angel.
