Nicolas Cage's 'The Carpenter's Son' Delivers a Divine Dose of Horror

Get ready for a cinematic experience unlike any other as Nicolas Cage dives into a deeply unconventional horror story about the childhood of Jesus Christ, hitting theaters nationwide this November.

TL;DR: Key Details About This Unique Film

• Nicolas Cage stars as Joseph in The Carpenter's Son, a horror film inspired by an ancient, non-canonical text about Jesus's youth.
• The movie depicts a young Jesus (Noah Jupe) grappling with his powers and being tempted by Satan (Isla Johnston) in Roman Egypt.
• Directed by Lotfy Nathan, the film releases nationwide on November 14th, promising a genre-bending spiritual thriller.

Imagine a quiet Roman Egyptian village, sun-baked and dusty, suddenly erupting into a maelstrom of supernatural forces, all centered around a seemingly ordinary family. Now, imagine Nicolas Cage as the patriarch of that family, desperately trying to protect his wife and a teenage son who is unknowingly at the heart of the chaos. This isn't your typical biblical epic; it's the premise of Lotfy Nathan's highly anticipated and already controversial horror film, The Carpenter's Son, starring none other than the legendary Nicolas Cage.

With its nationwide release just around the corner on November 14th, the final trailer has dropped, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world where divinity clashes with pure evil. This movie isn't just pushing boundaries; it's redrawing them entirely.

Unpacking the Unique Premise of This Jesus-Inspired Horror Story

The Carpenter's Son takes a truly unconventional path, drawing inspiration from the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a text dating back to the 2nd Century AD. This ancient manuscript offers a different, often more complex, portrayal of Jesus's childhood than found in the canonical Bible. Director Lotfy Nathan, pulling from his Coptic Catholic upbringing, crafts a narrative that explores a young Jesus (known only as 'the Boy') grappling with immense, inherent powers, driven to doubt, and ultimately rebelling against his guardian, 'the Carpenter'.

The official synopsis paints a chilling picture: "A remote village in Roman-era Egypt explodes into spiritual warfare when a carpenter, his wife, and their child are targeted by supernatural forces. Joseph (Nicolas Cage), Mary (FKA twigs), and their teenage son Jesus (Noah Jupe) have lived for years under threat, clinging to their faith and traditions." The tension escalates dramatically when a mysterious stranger, played by Isla Johnston, attempts to lure young Jesus away from his father's devout rules, leading to terrifying revelations.

The Talented Cast Bringing This Dark Vision to Life

The film boasts an impressive ensemble, led by several prominent names:

• Nicolas Cage as Joseph, 'the Carpenter'
• FKA Twigs as Mary, 'the Mother'
• Noah Jupe (from A Quiet Place) as Jesus, 'the Boy'
• Isla Johnston (The Queen's Gambit) as the mysterious stranger, who is eventually revealed to be Satan.

Additional cast members include Souheila Yacoub (Dune: Part Two), Kaiti Manolidaki (Rapsodos), Penelope Markopoulou (Meta ti fotia), Tomer Lev Tov (Last X-Mas), and newcomer Erato Tziveleki.

Lotfy Nathan not only directs but also penned the screenplay. He previously helmed the documentary 12 O'Clock Boys and the 2022 drama Harka, showcasing a diverse filmmaking background. Nicolas Cage also serves as a producer on the film, alongside Alex Hughes, Riccardo Maddalosso, and Julie Viez. Nathan is listed as one of the executive producers. Source: [Cody Hamman, "The Carpenter's Son: Nicolas Cage's Jesus-inspired horror film gets its final trailer", Arrow in the Head, November 6, 2025].

Why This Film is Generating Significant Buzz and Stirring Debate

Any film touching on religious figures, especially in a genre-bending way, is bound to spark discussion. The Carpenter's Son is no exception. Its primary inspiration, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, has historically been deemed controversial. This 2nd-century text was "considered blasphemous among traditional Christians" and "deemed heretical by early Christian authorities," never having been considered authentic by the Church over the past two millennia. Source: [Santanu Roy, "Nicolas Cage's The Carpenter's Son Draws From a Controversial Jesus Tale", FandomWire, November 6, 2025].

One opinion piece even labels the film a "deliberate provocation." Sam Hailes, writing for Premier Christianity, states:

“I may not like playing the grumpy Christian. But there is a time and a place for bold denouncement. And when Hollywood insists on making a horror film based on a ‘Gospel’ which has never been considered authentic by any part of the Church for the past 2,000 years, it seems clear to me that we’re being trolled.”

— Sam Hailes, Premier Christianity, November 5, 2025

This strong reaction highlights the film's potential to challenge long-held beliefs. By portraying a young Jesus who is "more prone to anger and indulges in acts that contradict his divine nature" and leaving him "vulnerable to temptation from Satan," the movie steers far from conventional portrayals. Source: [Santanu Roy, "Nicolas Cage's The Carpenter's Son Draws From a Controversial Jesus Tale", FandomWire, November 6, 2025].

However, it's worth considering the other side of this fiery debate. The movie never claimed to be a traditional, canonical Jesus story. Instead, it explicitly draws from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, clearly distinguishing itself from other biblical adaptations. The marketing materials themselves appear to focus on the spiritual warfare and Joseph's unwavering faith as a central theme, rather than directly mocking or denigrating Jesus.

Furthermore, Nicolas Cage's career is celebrated for its "gonzo elements" and unconventional choices. His filmography is a tapestry of bold, often eccentric, performances that frequently stray from the mainstream. For many fans, Cage leading a "biblical horror" simply fits perfectly within his unique artistic trajectory, signaling another fascinating, committed performance rather than a malicious intent. He's an actor known for embracing challenging and often bizarre roles, and this appears to be another one for the books.

Example: Imagine a group of friends discussing movie plans for Friday night. One suggests The Carpenter's Son. The initial reaction might be a raised eyebrow, followed by curiosity. "Wait, Nicolas Cage as Joseph? And it's horror about young Jesus? That's wild!" This initial shock and intrigue, rather than outright offense, is often the real-world scenario, prompting viewers to investigate further and form their own opinions.

Nicolas Cage's Packed Schedule Beyond 'The Carpenter's Son'

Even with The Carpenter's Son on the horizon, Nicolas Cage isn't slowing down. His upcoming projects demonstrate a continued embrace of diverse roles across film and television, showing his versatility and enduring appeal.

• _Spider-Noir_ TV series: A live-action take on the gritty Marvel character.
• _Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse_: Reprising his voice role as Spider-Man Noir.
• _The Prince_: A satirical drama penned by David Mamet.
• _Lords of War_: A sequel to his 2005 film Lord of War, directed by Andrew Niccol.
• _Madden_: A John Madden biopic directed by David O. Russell.
• _True Detective_ season 5: An entry into the popular crime anthology series.

It's clear that Cage remains a powerhouse in Hollywood, consistently choosing roles that keep audiences on their toes. The Carpenter's Son is yet another example of his willingness to explore uncharted cinematic territory. Source: [Cody Hamman, "The Carpenter's Son: Nicolas Cage's Jesus-inspired horror film gets its final trailer", Arrow in the Head, November 6, 2025].

Practical Takeaways for Viewers Eager to See This Unique Film

So, what does all this mean for you, the moviegoer?

• Expect the Unexpected: This is not your typical Sunday school story. Prepare for a unique blend of horror, spiritual themes, and Cage's distinctive acting style.
• Form Your Own Opinion: With controversy already swirling, it's best to watch the film (or at least the trailers) before deciding whether it's for you. Avoid pre-judging based on headlines alone.
• Catch it Soon: The Carpenter's Son hits theaters nationwide on November 14th. Check your local listings for showtimes and ticket availability.
• A Different Kind of Biblical Story: If you're fascinated by alternative interpretations of ancient texts or enjoy genre-defying cinema, this film offers something genuinely new.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Carpenter's Son'

When does The Carpenter's Son release? The film is scheduled to be released nationwide in theaters on November 14th.

Who are the main stars in The Carpenter's Son? Nicolas Cage plays Joseph (the Carpenter), FKA Twigs plays Mary (the Mother), and Noah Jupe plays Jesus (the Boy). Isla Johnston takes on the role of the mysterious stranger, Satan.

What is The Carpenter's Son based on? It's inspired by the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a 2nd-century AD text that recounts an alternative version of Jesus Christ's childhood, not considered part of the canonical Bible.

What is the movie's genre and rating? It is described as a horror thriller. While an official rating isn't explicitly stated in the provided articles, the themes of spiritual warfare, demonic forces, and violent, unnatural events strongly suggest it will likely be rated R for mature audiences.

Sources:

• Cody Hamman, "The Carpenter's Son: Nicolas Cage's Jesus-inspired horror film gets its final trailer", Arrow in the Head, November 6, 2025. URL not provided in input.
• Santanu Roy, "Nicolas Cage's The Carpenter's Son Draws From a Controversial Jesus Tale", FandomWire, November 6, 2025. URL not provided in input.
• Sam Hailes, "Nicholas Cage is starring in this ‘biblical horror’. I won’t be watching it", Premier Christianity, November 5, 2025. URL not provided in input.
• Various articles from HorrorFuel.com, Dark Horizons, and ComingSoon.net covering the final trailer and synopsis, all posted around November 5-6, 2025. URLs not provided in input.