Nicolas Cage’s controversial movie about the early life of Jesus is drawing intense criticism from Christian audiences ahead of its release. The biblical horror film, The Carpenter’s Son, has been condemned as blasphemous by many who say it distorts religious beliefs for entertainment.
The film, which sees Cage portray Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, has sparked widespread outrage online and currently holds a 1.3 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews—over a month before its November 14 theatrical debut.
The backlash began shortly after the trailer dropped, with users on platforms like Google and X accusing Hollywood of disrespecting Christianity. One user described the film as deeply offensive and said a horror portrayal of Jesus is not appropriate.
Another argued that the industry would never treat other religions the same way and accused filmmakers of twisting sacred narratives for profit. A separate commenter questioned why Cage would participate in a project they called disrespectful to Christian faith.
Public backlash and social media reactions intensify
Social media has been flooded with similar reactions. Some users labeled the film as blasphemy, urging others to boycott or cancel it.
One commenter expressed disbelief, saying the idea of mocking Jesus in a horror context is unacceptable. Another criticized the casting as politically motivated and claimed the project aims to attack Christianity.
First US poster for Lotfy Nathan's THE CARPENTER'S SON, a horror take on the childhood of Jesus starring Nicolas Cage.
Shot on 35mm by Simon Beaufils.
Releasing in US theaters this fall via @MagnoliaPics and Mexico on October 30th and Australia and Poland on November 20th. pic.twitter.com/IdY10JfJVv
— Shot on Film Updates (@isitshotonfilm) September 30, 2025
While many condemned the project, a smaller group responded with curiosity. Some described it as potentially groundbreaking or bold, with one user calling it either cinema history or an outrageous misstep.
Another said Nicolas Cage starring in a biblical horror story was something they didn’t know they needed.
Film synopsis, cast, and narrative direction
Directed by Lofty Nathan and produced by Magnolia Pictures, The Carpenter’s Son is based on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas.
The story is set in a remote village in Roman-era Egypt, where Joseph, a devout carpenter, struggles to protect his family from supernatural threats.
British actor Noah Jupe plays a young Jesus, while FKA Twigs portrays Mary. Isla Johnston appears as The Stranger, a dark figure who tempts Jesus toward a forbidden path.
In the trailer, Cage’s character reflects on death and clings to faith as his son begins to experience violent, unexplained events and disturbing visions. The narrative suggests a demonic force is pursuing the child, challenging Joseph’s ability to shield him.
Cage, who was praised for his role in the 2024 horror film Longlegs, has said horror allows actors to break from realism and explore more surreal, expressive styles of performance.
What Is the Gospel of Thomas and Why Isn’t It in the Bible?
In the Bible, there are four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, there are also other gospels which are not in the Bible. One of the most famous is the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas is part of a group of ancient writings known as the Gnostic gospels. In contrast, the four gospels of the Bible are known as the canonical gospels. They are part of the Bible’s ‘canon’, or recognised collection of books. The Gnostic gospels are writings that are not part of the Bible’s canon.
The four canonical gospels were all written within the first century. In contrast, the Gnostic gospels were written much later, after the era of Jesus’ associates.
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