Hollywood’s at it again, folks! The entertainment industry seems to have a knack for ignoring the kind of content that people actually crave. Yet, here comes a refreshing splash in the cinema pool—the animated movie “King of Kings,” set to break box office records even before it hits the silver screen. This film, a biblical tale tailored for kids, has already pre-sold $14.6 million in tickets. That’s right, Hollywood! Turns out, people want stories with some substance, not just the latest superhero saving the universe multiple times over.

Think of “King of Kings” as the “Passion of the Christ” for the younger crowd. Back in the day, when the original hit theaters, kids couldn’t join in on the cinematic experience because, legally, kids aren’t allowed to watch R-rated films. But this time, the theater seats are filled with youthful energy—and plenty of tissues. Early previews showed kids streaming out of theaters, eyes glistening with stars (and tears), deeply moved by the timeless New Testament stories.

And what’s behind this resounding success as we approach Holy Week, you ask? Besides the compelling narrative, it appears that families are excited to share an enriching cultural and religious experience fit for all ages. It’s unpredictable how the box office numbers will ultimately tally up, but one thing’s clear: the appetite for such storytelling is far from feeble.

You’d think Hollywood might learn a lesson here. The scriptures boast some of the greatest tales of all time. Imagine bringing them to life with the modern technology we’ve got. Instead, Hollywood churns out remakes of classics nobody really wanted and lacks the courage to dive into the trove of rich, historical narratives. Meanwhile, movies like these continue to fly under their radar, while the demand for meaningful, quality stories keeps growing.

But there’s a reason for this oversight in Tinseltown, and it’s something called the gatekeeper system. Just a handful of folks, tucked away in their LA bubble, are pulling the strings for mainstream media. They’re disconnected from what audiences outside their bubble are actually hungry for. Thanks to studios like Angel Studios, which are working to bypass these gatekeepers, moviegoers are finally getting what they’ve been asking for: movies with a hearty substance that doesn’t just entertain, but also enlighten.