In a stunning turn that reflects America’s cultural reawakening, the Kennedy Center—long known for its elite, often progressive programming—opened June by debuting Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” a family-friendly animated film celebrating the life of Jesus. And the response? Absolutely overwhelming. Two sold-out showings, a packed prayer wall, and a thunderous statement from the American public: faith-based entertainment is not only welcome, it’s in demand.
The decision to feature The King of Kings came just after a week’s worth of LGBTQ+ events tied to the World Pride festival in D.C. were quietly canceled. Whether that timing was coincidental or symbolic is up for debate—but the optics couldn’t be clearer. One chapter closes. Another begins.
Kennedy Center President Ambassador Richard Grenell, a Trump appointee, is unapologetic about the shift. “The American people want more family-friendly programming,” he said, noting that the King of Kings screenings are just the beginning of a larger initiative to bring values-based, inspiring content back to America’s most prestigious stage.
Today wasn’t just Sunday, June 1st. Today, Jesus entered the halls of the @kencen🙏🏼🙌🏼
Thousands of children & families heard the story of Christ as told by @AngelStudiosInc @KingofKingsAnim in our Concert Hall. My heart is overjoyed seeing faith move in our nation’s Arts center. pic.twitter.com/8vYhWkd2MF
— Roma Daravi (@romadaravi) June 2, 2025
The film itself, already a record-breaker, has grossed more than $66 million globally and holds a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s now the highest-grossing faith-based animated film in theatrical history, and its showing at the Kennedy Center signals more than just box office success—it signals cultural momentum.
The story follows a father narrating the life of Jesus to his son, a bedtime tale that becomes a transformational spiritual odyssey. Through the boy’s eyes, viewers experience Jesus’ miracles, trials, and ultimate sacrifice. In an age of moral confusion and sensory overload, The King of Kings speaks plainly: about hope, love, redemption, and truth.
The Kennedy Center, until recently, had tiptoed around Christian themes. Its last “faith-based” performance was the controversial 2022 showing of Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera criticized by many Christians as irreverent and theologically thin. Before that, only classical church music and gospel performances dotted its calendar.
Families from across the country gathered at the Kennedy Center for two special screenings of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 by Angel Studios. With appreciation to our sponsors—Moxie Pest Control and the Museum of the Bible—for supporting an evening of inspiration, faith, and… pic.twitter.com/1mgcEEo8wr
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) June 2, 2025
But this moment—this film, this turnout, this messaging—marks a new chapter. And it’s being written not just in ticket sales, but in changed hearts.
President Donald Trump had made reforming the Kennedy Center a campaign promise. Earlier this year, he removed the existing board, appointed himself chairman, and tapped Grenell to lead the charge. His goal? Simple: “Make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN.” Gone are the drag shows targeting children. In their place: films like The King of Kings—and, perhaps, the return of sacred stories to America’s sacred institutions.
