The Kennedy Center is adding the free screening of The King of Kings to its family-friendly lineup.
The newly-released animated film, distributed by Angel Studios, details the journey a young boy takes as the bedtime story his father tells him comes to life, allowing him to witness the life of Jesus that includes his miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection.
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. will feature the free screening of The King of Kings on Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m. Eastern.
“This animated film is the perfect family experience, and we are thrilled to bring a special viewing to the Kennedy Center,” Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “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.”
While free tickets to the event must be reserved ahead of the screening, any unclaimed tickets will be given to a giveaway line shortly before the screening begins.
“The King of Kings is an epic, emotional journey made for the big screen, and to show the film at one of our nation’s most iconic venues is an honor,” Angel Studios Chief Distribution Officer Jared Geesey told the Washington Examiner.
The King of Kings film screening joins a lineup of Broadway blockbusters and family-focused productions for the Kennedy Center’s 2025-2026 season. Among the titles included in the programming expansion are three Tony Award-winning Best Musicals — The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Monty Python’s Spamalot — along with the return of Bluey and the debut of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE.
Grenell recently told the Washington Examiner that the new season lineup is part of a broader initiative backed by President Donald Trump to lead the Kennedy Center toward financial recovery and mainstream appeal.
“America’s premier arts institution deserves programming that resonates with the masses,” Grenell said. “We’re proud of the Kennedy Center’s new season and confident the public will be as well.”
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Inspired by Charles Dickens, The King of Kings is directed by Seong-Ho Jang and features actors including Mark Hamill and Kristin Chenoweth.
The film, released in April, has earned $66.8 million worldwide to date, according to box office data.