The Unhinged 2025 Slate: 5 Nicolas Cage Films Set To Redefine 'Cage Rage'—Including A Controversial Jesus Horror Movie

Nicolas Cage is arguably one of the most prolific and unpredictable actors working in Hollywood today, and his upcoming slate for 2025 solidifies his reputation for boundary-pushing cinema. As of December 15, 2025, the actor is poised to deliver a series of fresh, high-concept films that span genres from psychological thrillers to biblical horror—the latter of which is already sparking significant controversy and debate among film fans and religious groups.

The sheer volume and sheer eccentricity of his new projects confirm that the 'Cage-aissance' is far from over. From playing a tormented father in a post-apocalyptic world to a 'mad genius' gunslinger, and even a figure central to one of the most divisive horror films of the year, Cage continues to choose roles that maximize his unique, often unhinged, dramatic talents. Here is the definitive guide to the most anticipated and newest films from Nicolas Cage.

Nicolas Cage: A Brief Biography and Recent Career Highlights

Before diving into his latest cinematic exploits, it is important to understand the man behind the 'Cage Rage' phenomenon. Nicolas Cage, born Nicolas Kim Coppola, is an American actor and film producer who has carved out a singular career defined by both Oscar-winning dramatic performances and high-octane action blockbusters.

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• Full Name: Nicolas Kim Coppola
• Born: January 7, 1964
• Place of Birth: Long Beach, California
• Family Connection: Nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola and cousin of director Sofia Coppola. He changed his surname early in his career to establish his own identity, choosing 'Cage' inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage.
• Academy Award: Winner, Best Actor for Leaving Las Vegas (1995).
• Recent Acclaim: Received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his acclaimed performance in the surreal comedy-drama Dream Scenario (2023).
• Career Trademark: Known for his highly expressive, often over-the-top acting style, which has led to a cult following and the popularization of the term 'Cage Rage.'

The 2025 Lineup: Three Highly Anticipated New Films

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the actor, with three major films scheduled to hit theaters, each promising a distinct and memorable performance that showcases his incredible range.

1. The Carpenter's Son (2025): Biblical Horror and Blasphemy Accusations

This is, without a doubt, the most talked-about and controversial project on Cage's upcoming slate.

The Plot and Controversy: Directed by Lofty Nathan, The Carpenter's Son is a biblical horror film that reimagines the early life of Jesus Christ (played by Noah Jupe). The narrative is reportedly inspired by the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, which is not accepted as scripture by major Christian denominations and is known for its more unorthodox and often unsettling depiction of the young messiah.

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Nicolas Cage stars as 'The Carpenter' (Joseph), the earthly father who struggles to understand his son's mysterious and growing powers. Early sneak peeks and trailers have shown Cage's character accusing the child of partaking in "black magic," a central theme that has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The film has faced significant backlash, including "review bombing" campaigns on platforms like Google and IMDb, with many critics labeling the project as blasphemous for its horror-movie approach to a sacred figure.

Release Date: Scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, or November 14, 2025, depending on the final distribution schedule.

2. The Surfer (2025): A Descent into Psychological Obsession

In a sharp turn from biblical terror, The Surfer sees Cage return to the realm of psychological thriller, this time set against the stunning but unforgiving backdrop of the Australian coastline.

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The Plot: Directed by Lorcan Finnegan (known for Vivarium), the film centers on a man (Cage) who returns to his childhood beach with his son, only to be aggressively challenged and humiliated by a local gang of young surfers. The incident triggers a descent into obsession and madness, as the protagonist seeks revenge and validation by attempting to master the waves and reclaim his dignity.

This film premiered to acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, with critics praising Cage's intense, committed performance as a man driven to extremes. It promises a return to the kind of unhinged, yet deeply emotional, character work that defines his best roles.

Co-Stars: Julian McMahon, Nic Cassim, and Miranda Tapsell.

Release Date: May 2, 2025.

3. Gunslingers (2025): A Gloriously Violent Western

Cage is no stranger to the Western genre, but Gunslingers promises a modern, action-packed take, allowing him to flex his muscles as a supporting, yet scene-stealing, antagonist.

The Plot: The film, written and directed by Brian Skiba, follows reformed gunslinger Thomas Keller (Stephen Dorff), who becomes America's most-wanted fugitive after a failed assassination plot. Cage plays the role of Ben, described in the synopsis as a "mad genius." Alongside a spiritual leader named Jericho, the characters navigate a violent, lightning-fast world where they must pay the ultimate price for their past actions.

Early reviews suggest the film leans into the 'gloriously violent' aspects of the genre, offering a high-octane spectacle that fans of modern Western action will appreciate.

Co-Stars: Stephen Dorff, Heather Graham, and Costas Mandylor.

Release Date: 2025.

The Continuing 'Cage-aissance': Recent and Unconfirmed Projects

Beyond the 2025 slate, Nicolas Cage's recent filmography shows no signs of slowing down, with several notable 2024 releases and intriguing projects still in development.

Recent 2024 Releases: Longlegs and Arcadian

In 2024, Cage delivered two highly praised, genre-defining performances:

• Longlegs (2024): This horror film, released in July 2024, saw Cage take on the terrifying title role of the serial killer 'Longlegs.' The film was a critical success, hailed for its unsettling atmosphere and Cage’s chilling, minimalist performance.
• Arcadian (2024): Released in March 2024, this post-apocalyptic thriller featured Cage as Paul, a father trying to protect his two sons in a world ravaged by mysterious, nocturnal creatures.

Future Projects to Watch: Fortitude and National Treasure 3

While details remain limited, two other projects highlight the actor's diverse interests:

• Fortitude: An upcoming historical spy action-adventure film directed by Simon West. Cage is set to star alongside Matthew Goode, suggesting a return to a larger-scale, genre picture.
• National Treasure 3: While long-rumored, the status of a third installment in the beloved Disney action-adventure franchise remains "TBA" (To Be Announced). Fans continue to hope for the return of Benjamin Gates.

The Topical Authority of Nicolas Cage's Film Choices

Nicolas Cage’s film choices are not random; they are a deliberate strategy to maintain topical authority across multiple, distinct cinematic niches. By balancing high-concept indie horror (Longlegs, The Carpenter's Son), intense psychological drama (The Surfer), and genre action (Gunslingers), Cage ensures he is a relevant figure in every corner of the film industry.

His willingness to tackle controversial material, particularly with The Carpenter's Son, generates enormous buzz and drives cultural conversation, making his participation in any project a headline event. This calculated risk-taking solidifies his status not just as an actor, but as a cinematic provocateur whose work is always worth watching.