Movie reimagines the Holy Family in Roman Egypt, exploring faith, power and dread through supernatural and divine terror.

Nicolas Cage is set to play “The Carpenter” in a horror reimagining of Jesus’ childhood called The Carpenter’s Son, which is based on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas. The film stars FKA Twigs as Mary, Noah Jupe as Jesus (“The Boy”), and is written and directed by Lotfy Nathan. The project is billed as a “biblical horror” that blends ancient lore and supernatural dread.

What We Know So Far

Plot & Inspiration

Set in Roman Egypt, The Carpenter’s Son follows a family in hiding. The central figure, “The Boy,” begins to doubt his guardian known only as the Carpenter (Cage) after encountering another mysterious child. As he discovers latent supernatural powers, he becomes a target of “natural and divine horrors.”

The narrative draws from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, an early Christian apocryphal text from the 2nd century AD, which includes stories about Jesus’ childhood not found in canonical gospels. This source gives the film an unconventional angle on Jesus’ youth.

Cast & Crew

• Nicolas Cage as “The Carpenter” (Joseph-figure)

• FKA Twigs as “Mother” (Mary-figure)

• Noah Jupe as “The Boy” (young Jesus)

• Souheila Yacoub also among the cast

The film is written and directed by Lotfy Nathan, whose prior work includes Harka. It is produced by several companies including Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Films and Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights.

Production & Release Details

Filming took place in Greece (in Megara) in September 2024. One notable incident: during a cave‐location shoot, Cage was reportedly attacked by a swarm of bees, forcing the crew to modify some production logistics.

The film’s teaser trailer was released in August 2025, previewing its eerie tone, biblical setting, and supernatural hints. The teaser confirms that The Carpenter’s Son is scheduled for a theatrical release in Fall 2025, though no exact date has been set.

Anticipation, Controversy & Themes

What Makes It Unusual

This film ventures into territory rarely explored in mainstream Christian or biblical cinema by dramatizing Jesus’ childhood through horror. The choice of source material (an apocryphal gospel) and the supernatural horror framing diverges from traditional depictions.

Potential Reaction

Given its subject matter, The Carpenter’s Son is expected to provoke debate from religious communities over its portrayal of sacred figures and events. Horror elements tied to divine horror and imagined supernatural powers would likely be scrutinized.

Also, Nicolas Cage’s casting as Joseph (the “Carpenter”) alongside a younger actor as Jesus and the representation of Mary by FKA Twigs add to the film’s bold stylistic choices

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exact release date—just confirmed as Fall 2025.

• How closely the film will adhere to or diverge from canonical accounts, and how much creative license it takes with apocryphal material.

• Specific content of horror elements (how graphic, supernatural vs symbolic) and how audiences will receive them.

Conclusion

The Carpenter’s Son is shaping up to be a provocative addition to both biblical and horror cinema. Nicolas Cage leads a cast that includes FKA Twigs and Noah Jupe in a reimagining of Jesus’ childhood based on the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. With its Fall 2025 release, the film challenges norms by merging faith, myth, and horror. As much as it will generate curiosity, it is likely to spark controversy — especially among those who view religious narratives as sacred and immutable.