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LOS ANGELES, — A mid-16th century painting in the Louvre Museum in Paris depicts David fighting Goliath. The uncanny resemblance of that David to the actor playing David in the new movie, ‘David and Goliath’ is almost astonishing.
“I know Tim Chey (the director) didn’t pick me because of that,” jokes Miles Sloman who is riding high after a grueling shoot in the North African desert playing ‘David.’
London-based Sloman beat out more than 7,000 actors to win the part of ‘David’ in the high-profile movie that opens April 3 in theaters nationwide.
“We wanted a world-class actor and only the hand of God could have picked Miles,” says Tim Chey. “We casted in LA, New York, Toronto, London, Madrid, et al, and he beat out a stiff competition.”
How did this unknown actor prepare for the part?
“So many words have been written about David,” says Sloman, “that I truly needed to understand such motivation that his faith undoubtedly gave him. For me the clues were in the script, Tim has spent a huge amount of time on getting it right and true to the story in order to make it as Biblically correct as possible.”
What was his biggest challenge?
Sloman has to think about that one. “Taking a lead role in such a significant film was initially daunting and I put a fair amount of pressure on myself but with the help and support of my fellow actors I felt at ease from the first take and ended up loving my time in Africa.”
Chey chuckles when told Sloman’s comments. “He’s just being gracious. He didn’t mention the time he fell off a donkey because of my stupid hubris.”
A helicopter taking shots of the scene spooked the donkey causing the donkey to buck and knocking Sloman six feet into the air. Sloman got up and bravely wanted another go. “Miles became my hero at that point,” says Chey.
Fortunately Chey’s wife, Susan, also a producer, is a former nurse and tended to Sloman to make sure he had no broken bones. “He’s a real trooper,” says Susan, “and everyone had deep respect for him on the set from that day forward.”
And what is Sloman’s impression of the real David?
“He is absolutely driven by his unfaltering faith,” says Sloman, “something I really admire. He remains true to himself and doesn’t give up despite everyone’s best attempts to put him down. It’s the ultimate underdog story and I think a lot can be taken from David’s sheer determination, faith in God, and courage to stand up to adversity.”
“David and Goliath” is considered one of the big three Bible movies hitting theaters after “Noah” and “Exodus: Gods and Kings” and the most Biblically correct.
“David and Goliath” looks at one of the most powerful and beloved Bible stories of all time. The film will focus on the early life of David who fought against the Philistine giant, Goliath against all odds.
“David and Goliath” opens in theaters on April 3, 2015.