Director David L. Cunningham Brings Disney Magic to a New Christmas Project

David L. Cunningham, known for his work in Hollywood, is infusing a touch of classic Disney charm into his latest film. He reminisced about Walt Disney’s habit of personally introducing projects that he was passionate about, which lent them a special approval from him.

With this in mind, Cunningham sought out an iconic figure to take on a similar role for his vision of the Christmas story. As luck would have it, his producing partner had a connection to Kevin Costner.

Costner agreed to participate in the project, but not without stipulations.

“He insisted on incorporating his own story into it… and that’s how everything fell into place,” Cunningham shared.

Unification Celebration

The special titled “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas” will air on December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. This isn’t just about bringing Christ back into the Christmas narrative; it’s deeper than that.

Costner shares personal stories from his early acting days, including his involvement in the production of *A Christmas Story*—though it didn’t have the typical Hollywood polish.

As time passed, he certainly improved his craft.

The narrative of “The First Christmas” focuses on Mary and Joseph, a young couple grappling with tremendous challenges during what could be considered the most significant pregnancy in history.

“Our aim was to present this story in a unified manner,” Cunningham expressed. “We need to stick to the essence of it: Jesus came into the world in such an extraordinary way. We weren’t looking to reinvent anything, but to honor the ancient texts as closely as possible.”

Not Quite Comfortable

This presentation of *The First Christmas* aims to unpack common misconceptions surrounding Christmas. It intertwines dramatic elements with insightful commentary, offering necessary context at various points along the way. Cunningham likens this strategy to a “miniature podcast” woven between the dramatic segments.

“We didn’t want any kind of theological lecturing,” he remarked, but he also saw value in steering away from overly comfortable interpretations of the Nativity. “If we strip away hardship and danger, we lessen the courage Mary and Joseph displayed, their faith, and all the sacrifices they made.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a cozy nativity scene with angels looking on. But let’s take a moment to really ask, ‘What does the Bible say, and why?’”

The special includes commentary from diverse voices across the U.S. and other countries, showcasing the global impact of Christianity.

“There are no corners on the west side,” Cunningham noted, referencing the growth of the faith in places like Brazil and beyond in recent years.

Sticking to the Text

Cunningham’s experience in faith-based filmmaking isn’t new; one of his early endeavors dates back to a 2001 project. This film was a touching narrative about POWs in Japanese camps who turned to faith, endured their trials, and eventually forgave their captors.

Such experiences have equipped him with a unique understanding of how to connect closely with audiences through a Christian perspective, and the importance of staying true to the source material.

“A successful Bible movie usually sticks to the text,” he joked. “Having genuine belief behind it makes a world of difference, too.”

He went on to acknowledge how the industry has somewhat lost its way on Christian films for many years. “For a while, many Christians felt that Hollywood wasn’t for them. It seemed like we turned our backs on one of the most influential platforms.”

A Movie Revolution

However, the landscape has radically transformed in the past twenty years, from *The Passion of the Christ* to *The Sound of Freedom* in 2023. What once were rugged, low-budget tales have evolved into higher-quality productions that combine sincere conviction with improved craftsmanship.

Cunningham highlighted the contributions of creators like Dallas Jenkins, along with John and Andrew Irwin, as pivotal to this filmmaking renaissance.

He also drew on personal experiences to inform “The First Christmas,” especially echoing some of the themes that Costner brought to the table. Reflecting on his own early fatherhood, he shared the fears and anxieties associated with those days.

“Picture me heading out the door with a child. The car seat was all set,” he mused, drawing a parallel between that experience and the intense pressures faced by Mary and Joseph—“Imagine being a young couple in a cave, knowing that infant mortality was alarmingly high. You’re entering a harsh and ruthless world, and that’s a child of God you’re bringing into it.”

He chuckled, adding, “No pressure, right?”