EXCLUSIVE: Newly public Angel Studios has partnered with 2521 Entertainment to acquire 100% of the David animated film and TV franchise from Slingshot USA.
The partners are forking out $78 million for the IP with Angel’s portion of the investment at about $31 million in cash, its first big move since merging with a SPAC for a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
The partners have set a December 19 theatrical release for animated musical David — the biblical shepherd boy who defeats Goliath and inspires his nation. Zero A.D., originally in that slot, has been moved into 2026.
The deal, which settles some outstanding litigation between Angel and Slingshot, also comes with an accompanying five-part animated television series, Young David, that was highly popular with the Angel Guild. Angel has an unusual business model underpinned in part by dues from its 1.5 million grassroots Angel Guild members, who have a hand in selecting the studio’s projects.
Angel will explore producing additional episodes of the David TV series to extend the franchise.
Angel co-founder and CEO Neal Harmon hinted at more deals to come. “Owning the David intellectual property is a long-term strategic asset and we anticipate making similar series acquisitions that resonate with the Angel Guild and have performed exceptionally well on our platform,” he said.
David Hunt, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of 2521 Entertainment, said its mission is “to go beyond entertainment and offer families stories that elevate and leave a lasting impression in an otherwise distracted world.”
Angel and 2521 Entertainment have collaborated on 14 projects to date including King Of Kings, The Wingfeather Saga, The Last Rodeo, box office smash Sound Of Freedom and the upcoming Young Washington.
Last month, alternative asset manager Trinity Capital announced the commitment of $100 million in growth capital to Angel Studios.
