The first trailer for “The Carpenter’s Son“ has been released, and fans are already talking about awards for its star, Nicolas Cage. The upcoming horror film, which puts a supernatural spin on the early life of Jesus Christ, shows Cage in a role that has viewers and critics calling it a career-best performance. The intense preview has sparked a wave of excitement online, with many declaring the Oscar race for next year already over.
What The Movie Is About
“The Carpenter’s Son” is a horror film based on the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which details parts of Jesus Christ’s childhood that are not included in the Bible. The story follows a family hiding in Roman Egypt. The son, simply known as ‘the Boy’, begins to doubt his guardian, ‘the Carpenter’, and starts rebelling with mysterious powers. As he uses these abilities, the family must face both natural and divine horrors.
The film is written and directed by Lotfy Nathan, who drew from his own Coptic Christian background for the project. The official synopsis describes a remote village in Roman-era Egypt that descends into spiritual warfare. Joseph, Mary, and their teenage son Jesus are living under threat when a stopover in a small settlement unleashes growing chaos. A mysterious stranger tempts the young Jesus to abandon his devout father’s rules, leading to violent and unnatural events.
The Star-Studded Cast
The film features a strong cast led by Nicolas Cage, who also serves as a producer. Cage plays the Carpenter, who is Joseph, the father of the young Jesus. The role of Jesus, referred to as ‘the Boy’, is played by Noah Jupe, known for his roles in A Quiet Place and Honey Boy. The musician and actor FKA Twigs takes on the role of the Mother, Mary. The cast also includes Souheila Yacoub and Isla Johnston as the mysterious stranger who tempts the boy.
Fan Reactions to the Trailer
The release of the trailer prompted an immediate and passionate response on social media. Fans were particularly focused on the power of Nicolas Cage’s performance, with many saying he deserves major awards for his work.
One fan declared, “The Oscar race is over… Give Cage all the Awards.” This sentiment was widely shared, with another user adding, “Finally! A role that lives up to his abilities.” Viewers also noted a signature Cage moment in the trailer, where his character is seen yelling in anguish. One person pointed out, “It’s not a Nicholas Cage movie without the ‘I’m going insane!’ episode,” highlighting the actor’s iconic delivery of intense emotion.
The trailer begins with a haunting voiceover from Cage’s character, asking, “What awaits us when we turn at last to death?” It then unfolds to show a dark and tense story, including scenes of the young Jesus being tempted by a child who reveals herself to be Satan.
Nicolas Cage’s History with Awards
Nicolas Cage is no stranger to major awards. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Leaving Las Vegas in 1996. He received a second Oscar nomination in 2003 for his work in Adaptation. Throughout his career, he has also won a Golden Globe and awards from critics groups in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York for Leaving Las Vegas. More recently, he has found critical success in the horror genre with films like Mandy and last year’s Longlegs, where he played a chilling serial killer.
Film Production and Release
“The Carpenter’s Son” is another horror project for Cage, following his well-received performances in Longlegs and Mandy. The film was shot in locations in Greece, including Sfakia, Preveli, and Megara. During filming, there was even an unexpected event when Cage was reportedly attacked by a swarm of bees in one of the caves being used as a filming location.
The movie is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 14, 2025. Magnolia Pictures will handle the U.S. release, and the company’s CEOs, Dori Begley and Eamonn Bowels, released a statement calling the film a “genre-bending spectacle that defies expectations at every turn.“
Also Read: Nicolas Cage Reveals Why He Won’t Play Serial Killer Roles Again After His Film Longlegs
