Why Animator for LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Left Disney to Pursue Stories About Christ, ‘King of Kings’
By Movieguide® Staff
Disney animator Davy Liu began work at 19, drawing sketches for some of Disney’s most iconic movies, THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and ALADDIN.
However, Liu decided to leave Hollywood after God called him towards faith projects.
Liu said that he first began to seek God after attending a Billy Graham Crusade as a teenager.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Liu said that the pressure from his culture to live up to a certain standard resulted in self-esteem issues.
However, after hearing of God’s love for his children, he surrendered his life to Christ.
Although Liu loved his newfound identity in Christ, he struggled to balance that with his desire to win an Oscar.
After working on award-winning movies like THE LION KING, and STAR WARS EPISODE 1, he realized that the industry lacked stories about Christ.
“There were no wholesome and high quality films that represented the story of Christ,” he told the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
It was then that Liu decided to focus on faith projects and left the job security at Disney.
“It was the darkest time when God gave me this amazing inspiration,” he said. “God showed me how I can translate the Bible so the King of kings can go beyond ‘The Lion King.’ Once I found my identity in Christ, I was so fulfilled.”
“I realized I’m so unique.” Liu added. “God gave me a passion to draw and use my skills to share His message with children.”
Alongside his wife, Joan, Liu started Kendu Films in 2004.
“I want the story of the Bible to be told in the mainstream and not to sit in church bookstores,” he said. “I want to use innovative storytelling through movies so kids can engage the Good News of Jesus Christ anytime through their phones.”
