Now there’s another King David series in development, this time with a "mafia" element

The number of religious-based television projects shrunk by one earlier today, with Showtime passing on The Vatican. And thus it was decreed from on high that another, more ancient Bible-focused series should emerge to take its place in Hollywood development. Deadline reports that Entertainment One will produce King David, an hour-long drama series that will now compete with the already-in-development Wolfgang Petersen series based on the same story—both trying to claw into the same biblical ratings bonanza that made The Bible a surprise hit. This new King David project will reportedly be a “mafia show in biblical clothing,” blending one of Jesus’ parables with modern cross-genre appeal. Though a modern twist might not be such a great idea, seeing as reimagining the David and Goliath story with a contemporary twists didn't work out that well for NBC's Kings.