Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Nicolas Cage in Controversial 'Biblical Horror': Blasphemy or Bold Art?

Nicolas Cage's upcoming controversial biblical horror film about Jesus' childhood has been blasted by Christians and labeled as 'blasphemous'

Nicolas Cage's Biblical Horror Film Sparks Outrage Among Christians: "Blasphemy!"

In a move that has left many in the Christian community reeling, Nicolas Cage is set to star in a new biblical horror film, The Carpenter's Son, which depicts Jesus' childhood as a dark and terrifying tale of supernatural forces. The movie, directed by Lofty Nathan, promises to push the boundaries of what audiences consider acceptable when it comes to depicting sacred figures.

According to sources close to the production, Cage will be playing the role of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, while British actor Noah Jupe takes on the role of young Jesus. Singer FKA Twigs is set to play Mary, Jesus' mother. The film's plot revolves around a remote village in Roman-era Egypt where supernatural forces are at work, targeting Joseph and his family.

The unconventional retelling of the biblical story - which will be released in theaters on November 14 - is based on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas according to writer and director Lofty Nathan

The trailer for The Carpenter's Son dropped earlier this week, and it has sparked an intense debate among Christians on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter). Many have expressed their outrage and disappointment, calling the film "blasphemous" and accusing Cage of mocking Christianity for entertainment purposes.

"I will not see this movie," one user wrote. "A horror movie about Jesus is just not right... Why not just make him a superhero too? @Hollywood's trying anything to make money well they won't get mine." Another user shared, "This movie is disgusting. I can't even bring myself to watch it and i don't know who in their right mind would."

The backlash against The Carpenter's Son has been so intense that the film currently holds a dismal 1.3/5 rating on GoogleReviews, over a month before its release. Many users have expressed their outrage and disappointment, calling for a boycott of the movie.

'I will not see this movie,' one penned on Google. 'A horror movie about Jesus is just not right'

"I respect every religion, and I think that everyone should do it," one user wrote. "If others want to be respected, they have to respect too. I have nothing against the actors or anyone, but of the story and mocking Jesus, it's really offensive."

However, not all users are opposed to the film. Some have expressed their excitement and anticipation for what promises to be a unique take on the biblical narrative.

"That's either going to be cinema history... or the wildest fever dream ever put on screen," one user wrote. "Either way, I'm watching lmfao." Another fan shared, "Nicolas Cage in a biblical horror movie? That's a combo I didn't know I needed."

On Google Reviews, the movie currently holds a 1.3/5 rating - over a month before it premieres in theaters

The Carpenter's Son is set to be released in theaters on November 14 and has been described as an "unconventional retelling" of the biblical story. The film's director, Lofty Nathan, has based his narrative on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

Nicolas Cage is no stranger to the horror genre, having starred in films like Longlegs, which raked in $128 million at the box office on a budget of around $10 million. The actor has expressed his love for horror movies and his desire to push boundaries in the genre.

"I have always maintained that horror, when done well, is genuinely surreal," Cage said in an interview with AP News. "It's dream logic. It doesn't have to rely on physics or reality... That is good, but we've done it again and again, ad infinitum, ad nauseum."

The release of The Carpenter's Son has sparked a heated debate among Christians about the role of Hollywood in depicting sacred figures. While some see the film as an opportunity for creative expression, others have accused Cage and Nathan of disrespecting their faith.

As the controversy surrounding The Carpenter's Son continues to grow, one thing is clear: this movie promises to be a wild ride that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Will you be watching **The Carpenter's Son, or do you think it goes too far in its depiction of sacred figures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Over on X, others held similar opinions with one penning when the trailer dropped, 'Ridiculous. Boycott it. Protest it. Cancel it'

In the movie, Cage took on the role of Joseph while young Jesus is played by British actor Noah Jupe - who is known for The Quiet Place movies and Wonder - and Mary his mother is portrayed by singer FKA Twigs

'What awaits us when we turn at last to death?' Cage as Joseph is heard saying at the start of the two minute clip as he stands on a clifftop under a darkened sky

Another character is introduced in the trailer - The Stranger, played by Isla Johnston. 'I'm the accuser of life. I am the adversary,' The Stranger tells The Boy. 'And why I am here?'

According to Magnolia Pictures which is releasing the film in the United States, the story takes place in a remote village in Roman-era Egypt

Joseph, a carpenter, clings to his faith and traditions even as 'his wife and their child are targeted by supernatural forces'

Cage is no stranger when it comes to the horror franchise and played the role of a serial killer in the 2024 horror thriller film Longlegs; seen in 2024 in L.A.