Nicolas Cage to Star in New Horror Film About a Young Jesus Christ

While there have been a plethora of horror films about demonic possession, exorcisms, and strange religious happenings, few — if any — have explored the life of Jesus Christ… until now. It’s been announced that Nicolas Cage will star in the new horror film The Carpenter’s Son by director Lotfy Nathan (Harka). Cage will appear alongside FKA Twigs (The Crow), Souheila Yacoub (Dune: Part 2) and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place Part II), with Cinenovo, and Pacemaker producing.

As per Deadline, The Carpenter’s Son will explore the life of a young Jesus Christ and his family as they become the target of horrors both “natural and divine.” Nathan took inspiration for the screenplay from the apocryphal ‘Infancy Gospel of Thomas,’ which dates back to 2nd Century AD, and whose text recounts the life of the budding savior. Check out the official synopsis below.

“The Carpenter’s Son
tells the dark story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. The son, known only as ‘the Boy’, is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter, revealing inherent powers and a fate beyond his comprehension. As he exercises his own power, the Boy and his family become the target of horrors, natural and divine.”

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Nicolas Cage will play the role of the Carpenter (Joseph in the bible), while FKA Twigs will take on the role of the Mother (Mary). Noah Jupe will star as the Boy (Jesus), and Yacoub will appear in an undisclosed role at this time.

Religious Horror Is Big Business Right Now

The news of The Carpenter’s Son comes at a time when religious horror films seem to be experiencing a boon in the industry. While 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer failed to win over audiences both critically and commercially, 2024 has already provided fans with Sidney Sweeny’s Immaculate, and The First Omen starring Nell Tiger Free. These two films have gone on to be universally praised by critics and audiences, along with another indie darling, Late Night with the Devil, starring David Dastmalchian.

The Pope’s Exorcist in 2023 was a sleeper hit at the box office as well, earning $77 million against a budget of $18 million, and word came recently that a sequel has been green lit. It’s also been revealed that Russell Crowe (who starred in The Pope’s Exorcist and will reprise his role in the sequel), will appear as a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film in The Exorcism, which premieres on June 7, 2024. Should talks with Blumhouse pan out as well, horror superstar Mike Flanagan will direct The Exorcist: Deceiver to hopefully revive the series after Believer’s dismal performance.

Whether The Carpenter’s Son can capture the same success as recent religious horror films remains to be seen, but with Nicolas Cage and its outlandish premise, it will at least have a chance at appealing to fans who have been crying out for more original films to be made. Filming is expected to get underway this summer.

Cage can currently be seen in the apocalyptic horror film Arcadian, which recently hit VOD, and he will appear next in the horror-thriller, Longlegs, as a serial killer with an occult-like motive. Watch the trailer for Longlegs below ahead of its release on July 12, 2024.