This page describes the characters with lines in our movie and whether or not they appear in the Bible.
There are an additional 50 or so characters in the movie without lines that will also need human actors to bring them alive.
Lead Male
CAST
DANIEL
Lead Male
156 Dialogues
One of the four great OT prophets. Decended from one of the noble families of Judah (Daniel 1:3). Was probably born in Jerusalem about BC 623 during the reign of Josiah. During the reign of Josiah's son Jehoiakim Daniel was taken into exile by King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon in the year BC 606 where he entered the king's service as a wise man, interpreter of dreams, and governor.
Isaiah prophesied that some of Hezekiah's descendants would become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:18) one of which turned out to be Daniel.
Subsequent kings recognized his abilities and Daniel maintained their favour as a loyal and able administrator. Later in his life Daniel was given a series of visions of the glorious future of God's people.
Daniel's life story (and therefore the movie) span 90 years.
In the movie:
He is betrothed to Leah but the two lose track of each other in the chaos of Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion. Although there is no mention in the Bible of Daniel being married (or being single) there were prophets, such as Ezekiel, who were married. We also know that God’s design for the human race was to marry and have families (Genesis 1:28) and that the Israelites were encouraged to marry and have families while in exile (Jeremiah 29:6).
He has a hand in Cyrus issuing a decree to allow the exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem. Many scholars speculate this was one reason he was placed in such a high position by God.
Lead Female
CAST
LEAH
Lead Female
77 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is Daniel's fiancee who would have been married to him within a month had not the Babylonian invasion taken place.
The invasion separates them and Leah finds herself in the king's harem where she refuses to become a concubine of the Babylonian king. She is sold on the slave market where she enters the household of a baker and his wife.
Although there is no mention in the Bible of Daniel being married (or being single) there were prophets, such as Ezekiel, who were married. Also, the exiles were encouraged by God through Jeremiah to marry and have families while in Babylon.
Supporting Male Roles
CAST
KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR
Supporting Male
59 Dialogues
Appears in 2 Kings 24 & 25, 1 Chronicles 6 & 36, Ezra 1, 2, 5 & 6, Nehemiah 7, Esther 2, throughout Jeremiah, Ezekiel 26, 29 & 30, and Daniel 1-5.
King of Babylon who defeats Jerusalem and takes Daniel and his companions into his court.
Marched against and laid siege to Jerusalem at least two times.
There is some speculation Daniel cared for him during his time of insanity (Daniel 4:36) and that he became a believer in God (Daniel 4:37).
In the movie:
Defeats Jerusalem in one night.
CAST
ARIOCH
Supporting Male
53 Dialogues
Described as King Nebuchadezzar's commander in Daniel 2:15 and is mentioned in Daniel 2:14-15 & 24-25.
In the movie:
He leads the attack on Jerusalem and is sent to round up the Jewish nobility setting up the first of several encounters with Daniel which leads to him eventually becoming Daniel's friend and worshipping God.
CAST
KING DARIUS
Supporting Male
48 Dialogues
Appears in Daniel 5, 6, 9, and 11.
Mede king who defeats the Babylonian king Belshazzar. Secular historians say he did not exist but the numerous references to him including his being tricked into throwing Daniel to the lions cannot be ignored.
The Darius mentioned in Ezra who finds the original decree of Cyrus to allow the rebuilding of the temple is a later king.
In the movie:
To harmonize the prohecy that Cyrus would defeat Babylon and the fact that Darius took over the Babylonian throne after the defeat of Belshazzar, we have him being voluntold to attack Babylon on Cyrus' behalf. Later, he is voluntold to give up the throne or face ruin.
CAST
ASHPENAZ
Supporting Male
39 Dialogues
Described in Daniel 1:3 as the chief of Nebuchadnezzar's officials and in 1:8-11 as the commander of the officials.
In the movie:
He is combined with the "overseer" mentioned in Daniel 1:11-16.
He is the head of King Nebuchadnezzar's wise men but his role diminishes with subsequent kings.
He befriends Daniel (following Daniel 1:9) and, as a result, eventually becomes a believer in God.
CAST
JEREMIAH
Supporting Male
35 Dialogues
Prophet of the Lord who warns of the coming invasion from the north in the OT book by his name. Remains in Jerusalem while Daniel and Ezekiel are taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 40).
Scholars indicate Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel were contemporaries of each other - at least for a time.
In the movie:
All appear together at the beginning of the movie.
CAST
ANDULLI
Supporting Male
33 Dialogues
This character does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Represents the officials under various kings who were opposed to Daniel (Daniel 3:8ff, 6:4ff). Does not appear in the screenplay after the scene with the lion's den to follow Daniel 6:24.
Together with his assistant, Ariistuun, he plots the dismissal and death of Daniel.
CAST
SHADRACH
Supporting Male
23 Dialogues
Appears in Daniel 1, 2, and 3. One of Daniel's three friends who goes with him into exile.
His Hebrew name was Hananiah.
In the movie:
His Babylonian name is used throughout to avoid confusing the audience with a name change and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
Is portrayed as Leah's brother and as the oldest and wisest of Daniel's three companions.
Following his being thrown into the furnace without harm, he is promoted based on his recognized administrative abilities. However, he is murdered on the way to taking up his new duties in the Citadel of Susa. His sister Leah whom he has not seen since the fall of Jerusalem witnesses the ambush but Shadrach dies before he can say anything about Daniel to Leah.
CAST
VOICE OF GOD
Supporting Male
22 Dialogues
A voice from heaven speaks to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:31.
In the movie:
This is the voice of God.
Is also heard pronouncing judgement on Jerusalem during the invasion, by Daniel during his visions, as Leah shares the Ten Commandments with Nasir and Tabni, and a few other places.
CAST
KING CYRUS
Minor Male
19 Dialogues
Appears in 2 Chronicles 36, Ezra, Isaiah 44 & 45, and Daniel 1 & 10.
King of Persia who also became king of Babylon following the reign of Darius. There is no record outside the Bible of Darius whom Daniel says was the king of Babylon before Cyrus and so there is some uncertainty how Cyrus came to the throne.
In the movie:
Cyrus presents Darius with a choice - relinquish the throne or face ruin.
CAST
EZEKIEL
Supporting Male
18 Dialogues
The prophet from the OT book which bears his name. The Biblical record indicates that both Ezekiel and Daniel were in Babylon during the exile.
In the movie:
Ezekiel is portrayed as a prophet to the exiles and has a chance meeting with Daniel after Daniel is dismissed from Belshazzar's court.
In the last of their meetings Ezekiel passes on to Daniel the instructions he was given (Ezekiel 40-48) for rebuilding the temple and settling the land.
CAST
GABRIEL
Minor Male
16 Dialogues
Angel of the Lord who appears to Daniel in his visions in Daniel 8 & 9.
In the movie:
Jeremiah 43:10 has been interpreted very loosely to have been done via Gabriel who appears to Nebuchadnezzar.
The "holy one" mentioned by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:13 is considered to be Gabriel as well.
Supporting Female Roles
CAST
TABNI
Supporting Female
39 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Wife to Nasir the baker from Susa. Her husband bought Leah on the slave market but they eventually become Leah's adopted parents.
NINSUNU
Supporting Female
20 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is one of Nebuchadnezzar's wives in the harem in Susa. Warns Leah that if she does not cooperate with being a concubine, she will be sold in the slave market.
Later, she meets Leah in the citadel just prior to Leah and Daniel being reunited and acts as a bridesmaid at Daniel & Leah's impromptu wedding.
CAST
EUNICE
Supporting Female
15 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
The mother to Leah, Daniel's fiancee; wife to Jacob; and the mother to Shadrach, Daniel's friend.
Long after the attack on Jerusalem, Ezekiel connects with Daniel and helps Daniel find Eunice who mistakenly tells Daniel that his fiance, Leah, perished in the attack on Jerusalem.
Minor Male Roles
CAST
ABEDNEGO
Minor Male
14 Dialogues
Appears in Daniel 1:6-7, 11, & 16.
One of Daniel's three companions who goes with him into exile. His Hebrew name is Azariah.
A notable event in his life is being thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
In the movie:
His Babylonian name is used throughout to avoid confusing the audience with a name change and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
He is portrayed as the youngest of the three companions.
Following his coming out of the furnace unscathed, he is promoted based on his recognized administrative abilities.
CAST
BELSHAZZAR
Minor Male
14 Dialogues
Appears in Daniel 5, 7, & 8.
Is Nebuchadnezzar's son who is crowned king after his father's death. He summons Daniel to read the writing that appears on the wall in his throne room.
In the movie:
His first decree is to dismiss the Judean exiles from his court and government. This event is not in the Bible but provides an explanation for why he is unfamiliar with Daniel's abilities and why Daniel must be summoned to the palace to read the writing.
SLAVE TRADER
Minor Male
13 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Conducts the auction in which Leah is sold to Nasir.
ASSISTANT GATEKEEPER
Minor Male
12 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
An Israelite soldier who acts as the assistant to the Gatekeeper. His conversation with the Gatekeeper provides insight into the controversy surrounding the prophet Jeremiah.
CAST
NASIR
Minor Male
12 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is a baker from Susa who purchases Leah in the slave market. Husband to Tabni. Both eventually worship God due to Leah's testimony.
Also father to Shukura and grandfather to Shukura's two children.
CAST
NOBLEMAN 1
Minor Male
11 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but various verses in Daniel 1 suggest there were more Israelites taken into Nebuchadnezzar's court than just Daniel and his three friends.
In the movie:
An Israelite court official taken into exile along with Daniel. Initially opposes Daniel's stand against the king's food but eventually comes to respect Daniel.
ARIISTUUN
Minor Male
10 Dialogues
This character does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Represents the officials under various kings who were opposed to Daniel (Daniel 3:8ff, 6:4ff). Does not appear in the movie after the scene with the lion's den to follow Daniel 6:24.
Together with his leader, Andulli, he plots the dismissal and death of Daniel.
CAST
JACOB
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is the father of Leah, Daniel's fiancee, and of Shadrach, Daniel's friend.
Page 1
CAST
REMALIAH
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
While this name appears in the Bible this specific character does not.
In the movie:
Is Jehoiakim's general who heeds the call of Jeremiah to desert to the Babylonian army.
CAST
SHUKURA
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible
In the movie:
Is Nasir & Tabni's son whose wife died giving birth to their second child.
Is a high ranking officer in the Babylonian army who returns to his parent's home once in a while to touch base with his children.
Leah and his children become very close and pressure is brought to bear on Leah to marry him.
CAST
KING JEHOIAKIM
Minor Male
8 Dialogues
King of Israel during the first invasion of Nebuchadnezzar. Appears in 2 Kings 23 & 24, 1 Chronicles 3, 2 Chronicles 36, throughout Jeremiah, and Daniel 1:1-2.
In the movie:
The three kings associated with the fall of Jerusalem (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah) have been combined into this one character because it was during Jehoiakim's reign that Daniel was taken into exile (Daniel 1:ff).
Nebuchadnezzar orders him thrown off the city wall to follow the prophecy concerning his death in Jeremiah 22:19.
CAST
MEDE SCRIBE
Minor Male
7 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Darius' court scribe.
CAST
MESHACH
Minor Male
7 Dialogues
Appears in Daniel 1-3.
One of Daniel's three friends who goes with him into exile. His Hebrew name was Mishael.
In the movie:
Is portrayed as the second oldest of the three companions. His Babylonian name is used throughout the screenplay to avoid confusing the audience and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
Following his being thrown into the furnace without harm, he is promoted based on his recognized administrative abilities and love of the outdoors.
GATEKEEPER
Minor Male
5 Dialogues
Does not specifically appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is the Israelite soldier in charge of the city gate. Is the father and husband of an idol worshipping family.
CAST
WISEMAN 1
Minor Male
5 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but is one of the characters in the screenplay who represents the Babylonian wise men referred to in general in Daniel 1:20 and elsewhere.
In the movie:
Becomes a friend to Daniel.
CAST
EMISSARY 1
Minor Male
4 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of two men sent to Darius by Cyrus to deliver the message that Darius either relinquish his throne or face ruin. Is the spokesman for the two. Gives his name as Smerdis.
CAST
MOUNTED GUARD 3
Minor Male
4 Dialogues
Does not aspecifically appear in the Bible but the ferocity of the Babylonian soldiers is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
CAST
BUYER 1
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of the buyers in the slave market of Susa who bids on Leah.
CAST
MEDE PALACE GUARD
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of Darius' palace guards who ushers in the emissaries from Cyrus.
CAST
NOBLEMAN 2
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but Daniel 1 suggest there were more Israelites in Nebuchadnezzar's court than just Daniel and his three friends.
In the movie:
An Israelite court official taken into exile along with Daniel. Along with Nobleman 1 opposes Daniel's stand against the king's food.
CAST
DARIUS’ ARMY GENERAL
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is Darius' army general.
CAST
GUARD 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not specifically appear in the Bible but their ferocity is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
Is one of two Babylonian guards in the palace classroom.
CAST
HERALD
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible
In the movie:
Announces the entry of Cyrus and Darius into the hall of the citadel of Susa.
ISRAELITE SCOUT 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is one of two scouts who first discover the approaching Babylonian army and warn King Jehoiakim.
CAST
MEDE SOLDIER 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible although there is reference to Darius issuing orders which were probably given to his soldiers (Daniel 6:16, 23, 24).
Prophecies concerning the Medes coming against Babylon appear in Isaiah 13:17ff and Jeremiah 51:11ff.
In the movie:
This soldier is one of two who guard the king during the ceremony when Darius swears allegiance to Cyrus.
CAST
SCULPTER
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible (although someone must have made the statue).
The "image of gold" was probably not a statue of Nebuchadnezzar. The dimensions given (nine stories high and only 9 feet wide) would have produced a very nssty protrayal of the king. Also, worship of a human king was not part of the Babylonian culture.
In the movie:
Is the person who makes the golden image for Nebuchadnezzar although it is interesting to note that the book of Daniel literally says Nebuchadnezzar made the statue (Daniel 3:1).
The "image of gold" is a sword with Nebuchadnezzar's image on the hilt.
CAST
BANDIT 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of two bandits hired by Andulli to ambush Shadrach on his way to take up his new post in the Citadel of Susa.
CAST
BANDIT 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of two bandits hired by Andulli to ambush Shadrach on his way to take up his new post in the Citadel of Susa.
CAST
BUYER 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of the buyers in the slave market of Susa who bids on Leah.
CAST
CAPED BABYLONIAN SOLDIER WITH TORCH
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not specifically appear in the Bible but the ferocity of the Babylonian soldiers is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
Is one of the foot soldiers who participate in the attack on Jerusalem by pushing the gate open after their fellow soldiers raise the bar inside
CAST
ISRAELITE PALACE GUARD 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
In the movie:
One of two guards who escort Jeremiah into Jehoiakim's presence and then drag him out.
ISRAELITE SCOUT 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Is one of two scouts who first discover the approaching Babylonian army and warn King Jehoiakim.
CAST
LEADER OF CAPED BABYLONIAN SOLDIERS
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the bible but the ferocity of the Babylonian soldiers is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
Leader of the foot soldiers who participate in the attack on Jerusalem by pushing the gate open after their fellow soldiers raise the bar inside
CAST
MOUNTED GUARD 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not aspecifically appear in the Bible but the ferocity of the Babylonian soldiers is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
CAST
MOUNTED GUARD 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not aspecifically appear in the Bible but the ferocity of the Babylonian soldiers is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
CAST
PERSIAN GUARD
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Do not appear in the Bible
In the movie:
Cyrus' soldiers who, along with Mede soldiers, guard the hall in the citidal of Susa for the ceremony in which Darius (Mede) swears allegiance to Cyrus (Persian).
CAST
RIDING BABYLONIAN SOLDIER WITH ARIOCH
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but their ferocity is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
In the movie:
These are the mounted soldiers who participate in the attack on Jerusalem.
CAST
VISITING OFFICIAL
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible although Nebuchadnezzar's bragging does (Daniel 5:29-32).
In the movie:
A visiting official to whom Nebuchadnezzar brags about the city of Babylon.
Minor Female Roles
CAST
QUEEN
Minor Female
6 Dialogues
A queen or queen mother is mentioned in Daniel 5:10 but it is not clear whose wife she was.
In the movie:
This is Nebuchadnezzar's wife who eventually becomes a follower of Daniel's God.
REMALIAH’S WIFE
Minor Female
6 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Remaliah's family is included to illustrate God's promise made through Jeremiah that any Israelite who surrendered to the Babylonian invaders would be protected. This promise is mentioned in Jeremiah 21:9.
CAST
ISRAELITE WOMAN IN HAREM
Minor Female
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
An Israelite woman who ends up in Nebuchadnezzar's harem in Susa along with Leah. Unlike Leah she is not fazed by the moral question facing Leah of being one of the king's concubines.
CAST
GATEKEEPER’S WIFE
Minor Female
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie:
Wife to Gatekeeper who, along with her children, worship a household idol.
“From the book of Daniel one obtains a vivid picture of how man can participate in the struggle against…spiritual hosts of wickedness. For three weeks Daniel, a prayerful man of God, set himself to understand and to humble himself before God. His prayers were heard, but for three weeks God’s messenger was prevented from reaching him."
Forster and Marston, God’s Strategy in Human History, ©1973 R.T. Forster and V.P. Marston