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 thatNicolas Cagewill star in the new horror filmThe Carpenter’s Sonby 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 perDeadline,The Carpenter’s Sonwill 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 Sontells 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 ofThe Carpenter’s Soncomes at a time when religious horror films seem to be experiencing a boon in the industry. While 2023’sThe Exorcist: Believerfailed to win over audiences both critically and commercially, 2024 has already provided fanswith Sidney Sweeny’sImmaculate, andThe First Omenstarring 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 Exorcistin 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 inThe Pope’s Exorcistand will reprise his role in the sequel), will appear as a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film inThe Exorcism, which premieres on June 16, 2025. Should talks with Blumhouse pan out as well, horror superstarMike Flanagan will directThe Exorcist: Deceiverto hopefully revive the series afterBeliever’sdismal performance.
The Pope’s Exorcist
WhetherThe Carpenter’s Soncan 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 filmArcadian, which recently hit VOD, and he will appear nextin the horror-thriller,Longlegs, as a serial killer with an occult-like motive. Watch the trailer forLonglegsbelow ahead of its release on August 18, 2025.
