This is a bit late, but Wednesday ComingSoon.net spilled a plethora of info about the upcoming NBC series, Kings (a series based on the story of the biblical King David set in a modern world). Of particular interest to me were these tidbits.—Creator Michael Green pitched the story to network execs and then let them know its source material once they were already sold on it. (Heh, Scripture really does have good stories to tell.)And this from another ComingSoon post:
—Co-producer Francis Lawrence says “Because it's based on a biblical story, people say it's biblical and it's really not. It is actually more sci-fi . . .”
Due to its biblical roots, there is a religious angle to the show that's certainly unique, but this certainly isn't God or religion being shoved down your throat, as that aspect of the show is mainly used to show parallels to our own country. In fact, some of the things that happen on the show might seem particularly eerie when you realize that most of the show predates our own economy collapsing and all the political changes the country has gone through in recent months.And, as Peter Chattaway has already pointed out, a Q&A with a panel of a few of the actors and creator Michael Green taped after a preview of the first 20 minutes of the series provides some particularly interesting tidbits as well, including these:
All in all, I must admit, Kings has the potential to be an interesting series. And with another producer once again classifying the series as sci-fi, this remains an example of what's leading me to wonder whether science fiction is becoming the safe and preferred genre in which to explore themes related to faith and God. I also found it really interesting that Green affirms treating God as real in the world of Kings, something that few series or films outwardly take for granted in their stories.—Green says God “is very real” in this world.
—It’s less a show about religion as much as is it a story in which religion is a part of the characters lives.
—They’re taking the subject of religious themes and treating them as "real."
—There are “believers and non-believers” in the world of Kings.
—Green was aware of the current debate about Jonathon’s sexuality when he decided to make Jack gay. He says the decision to make him gay, however, basically came down to develop good character conflict and an interesting story. (Interestingly, that topic was brought up by a reporter from Crosswalk.com.)
—Eamonn Walker says his character (Reverend Ephram Samuals) is "very close to God."
—As to how close they will stick to the storyline in the Bible, Green says he is not tied to the timeline but said it would be "silly" not to use the all story elements eventually. One of the panel (I'm not sure who) said that the most challenging stuff came straight out of the text. Interestingly, one of them indicated that network execs apparently had concern about one segment that came straight from the Bible, but let it go after they realized its source.
—Most of the panel agrees that the source material is there but there will also be unexpected elements as well.
Kings premieres March 15 on NBC.
(Image: NBC) kingsctgy