Nicolas Cage has built his reputation on playing eccentric, memorable roles in films across various genres. Yet, his latest performance in The Carpenter’s Son has ignited a firestorm of discussion—both positive and negative—across social media platforms. Known for his fearless approach to acting, Cage is once again diving into uncharted territory. In this new film, he portrays Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, in a reimagined, horror-themed version of the biblical story. The movie has stirred controversy, sparking debates over the boundary between artistic expression and religious sensitivity. However, the question remains: has Cage pulled off the most audacious performance of his career, or is this a misstep in his long and varied acting journey?

The Story Behind The Carpenter’s Son: A Biblical Horror Twist

The Carpenter’s Son is a bold departure from traditional biblical storytelling. Based on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, this film reimagines the childhood of Jesus through a horror lens. The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which is not considered canonical, includes bizarre and supernatural events that are absent from the Holy Bible, such as a young Jesus using his divine powers to transform clay birds into living creatures. This darker interpretation of Jesus’ early years depicts him as a figure capable of both compassion and cruelty. In this film, Joseph’s fear is palpable as he grapples with his son’s incomprehensible powers, and his internal struggle forms the crux of the plot.

The film focuses on Joseph’s protective role, as he and Mary try to shield their son from supernatural forces. The eerie atmosphere and tense narrative set The Carpenter’s Son apart from conventional biblical dramas, making it both unsettling and captivating to fans of the horror genre. The juxtaposition of familiar religious figures with a supernatural twist creates a unique cinematic experience, though it has not been without its critics.

Ready for a chilling twist on biblical history? Watch the official trailer of The Carpenter’s Son with Nicolas Cage and get a glimpse of the dark, supernatural forces at play!

Nicolas Cage’s Role as Joseph: A Departure from the Expected

Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Joseph is one of the key elements that sets The Carpenter’s Son apart from other films that tackle biblical themes. Known for his dramatic range, Cage’s Joseph is both grounded and troubled, as he faces the terrifying reality of raising a child with extraordinary, otherworldly abilities. Rather than the calm and faithful figure often depicted in religious texts, Cage’s Joseph is a man on the edge—his internal turmoil is evident, and his relationship with his son is filled with both fear and awe.

The contrast between Joseph’s earthly concerns and Jesus’ divine nature creates a dramatic tension that Cage masterfully brings to life. The actor’s intense performance shows his ability to dive deep into complex characters, regardless of how unconventional or controversial the role may be. This marks a distinct shift from some of Cage’s more outrageous performances, offering a grounded, yet emotionally charged portrayal of a biblical figure.

The Public’s Reaction: Praise, Criticism, and Controversy

As expected, the release of The Carpenter’s Son trailer sparked an immediate reaction from both fans and critics alike. Social media erupted with a mixture of excitement and backlash. On one hand, there were viewers who hailed the film’s boldness, calling it a fresh and exciting take on biblical lore. “Nicolas Cage in a biblical horror movie? That’s a combo I didn’t know I needed,” wrote one fan on Twitter, while others appreciated the innovative blending of horror and religious themes. Fans of the actor also rallied behind his choice, noting that Cage’s ability to continuously reinvent himself is a testament to his versatility.

On the other hand, many viewers were deeply uncomfortable with the film’s premise. Critics argued that turning religious figures and stories into horror narratives was disrespectful and unnecessary. “Still wondering why this has to be a horror, man,” questioned one skeptic, while another bluntly dismissed the film as “garbage.” The film’s premise, which features a young Jesus facing terrifying visions and supernatural forces, has left some fans questioning whether this kind of reimagining crosses a line.

Despite the mixed responses, The Carpenter’s Son has sparked an important conversation about the boundaries of artistic expression, particularly when it comes to adapting religious themes into a genre as intense as horror.

THE CARPENTER’S SON. Fall 2025 A.D. pic.twitter.com/DdYVYyYIQ8

— Magnolia Pictures (@MagnoliaPics) August 27, 2025

The Genre of Biblical Horror: New Territory for Film and Fans

Biblical horror is a relatively new subgenre, and The Carpenter’s Son is one of the first films to explore this space with such intensity. While horror films have frequently tackled mythological or supernatural themes, blending these elements with the figures and stories of the Bible is an audacious move that has generated both intrigue and controversy.

The success of The Carpenter’s Son could pave the way for more films that blend horror with religious narratives. As audiences become more accustomed to seeing familiar stories told through a new lens, filmmakers may begin to experiment more with biblical horror and other unconventional adaptations. Whether this genre will continue to grow or remain a niche within the horror genre remains to be seen, but the buzz surrounding this film is undeniable.

What This Means for Nicolas Cage’s Career

After receiving critical acclaim for his portrayal of a serial killer in Longlegs (2024), Cage’s decision to take on the role of Joseph in The Carpenter’s Son seems like a natural continuation of his exploration of complex and sometimes controversial roles.

For Cage, this role represents another attempt to defy expectations and redefine his career. Having built a career on roles that span a wide range of genres—from action and drama to horror and comedy—Cage continues to evolve as an actor. By taking on such a polarizing role, he is once again demonstrating his commitment to challenging the norms of Hollywood and continuing to take risks in his career.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Step for Nicolas Cage and the Horror Genre

The Carpenter’s Son is a film that has divided audiences, but it’s also one that has captured attention for all the right reasons. Nicolas Cage’s performance as Joseph is a testament to his continued growth as an actor, showing that even the most unconventional roles can lead to powerful, emotionally charged performances. While the film’s controversial premise may push the limits of what’s considered acceptable in religious storytelling, it also proves that horror has a unique way of confronting deep, human fears.

As the film approaches its release, one thing is certain: The Carpenter’s Son will continue to fuel debates, spark curiosity, and perhaps even change the way we think about biblical stories in modern cinema. Whether it becomes a cult classic or a one-off curiosity, it’s clear that Nicolas Cage’s latest role is a bold step forward in his career and the horror genre itself.