Casting prioritizes ethnic and regional authenticity with actors like Michael Iskander (Egyptian-American as David), Ali Suliman (as Saul), Ayelet Zurer, and others of Middle Eastern/Israeli descent, aligning with the historical setting rather than modern diversity mandates. Minor anachronistic elements appear in female characters (e.g., Michal, Mirab, and Queen Ahinoam portrayed with assertive, modern attitudes, motivational speeches, or political influence in a patriarchal context), which some viewers flagged as contemporary storytelling intrusions that slow pacing or clash with the era.

These remain peripheral subplots and do not alter the core premise, character arcs, or emotional drivers, which stay rooted in biblical faith narratives and traditional hero's journey elements. No evidence of race/gender-swapping established figures, LGBTQ+ focal points, identity politics, systemic oppression critiques, they/them language, or creator statements emphasizing activism or 'challenging norms.' Audience and critic discussions focus overwhelmingly on biblical fidelity, production quality, and added dramatic fiction (e.g., David's outcast status drawn from rabbinic traditions), with only isolated complaints about female portrayals rather than widespread 'woke' backlash. The result is traditional storytelling with light modern flavoring that does not embed progressive ideology centrally.