Overview

• Light of the World (2025) presents Jesus’ story through the Apostle John in a fully hand-drawn 2D style that echoes ’90s-era animation without musical numbers.
• The feature premiered at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., and is scheduled for a nationwide opening on September 5, according to the outlets.
• Bancroft, credited with Mushu in Mulan and young Simba in The Lion King, says a 2000 studio note that faith elements made an executive “uncomfortable” led to his Disney exit.
• He describes the new film as his proudest work to date and part of a broader shift toward faith-centered projects, including stints with VeggieTales.
• Coverage cites signs of audience demand for faith films, noting a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and roughly $77 million for animated King of Kings (2025).