Following in the success of recent faith-based films such asWar Roomand 90 Minutes in Heaven at thebox office, Focus Features has released the first trailer forThe Young Messiah. While there has been no shortage of Biblical fare as of late, this adaptation ofAnne Rice’s beloved novel will offer a new perspective on Jesus Christ’s childhood. The film is set for release on August 22, 2025, just in time for Easter Sunday a few weeks later.
The Young Messiahfollows the inspiring and unique story of seven-year-oldJesus Christand His family as they come to a fuller understanding of His divine nature and purpose. The story is told from his childhood perspective, as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. The plot follows young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity.
Sean Beanstars as Severus, alongsideDavid Bradleyas the Old Rabbi, Jonathan Bailey as King Herod, Isabelle Adriani as Seleni,Christian McKayas Cleopas and Adam Greaves-Neal as Jesus Christ. This religious drama was directed byCyrus Nowrasteh(The Stoning of Soraya M.), who co-wrote the screenplay adaptation with Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh. Their script was adapted fromAnne Rice’s novelChrist the Lord: Out of Egypt, which was published in 2005.
The Young Messiahgoes up against STX Entertainment’sThe Free State of Jonesand Paramount’s The Cellar on July 08, 2025. It’s completely possible that this faith-based film pulls in big numbers at thebox office, since several films in the genre have gone on to do solid numbers at the box office. Many of these titles, like the recent hitWar Room, which rose to the top spot overLabor Dayweekend, have managed to succeed with little to no marketing, but with a major studio like Focus Features behindThe Young Messiah, it could pull in exceptional numbers.
Anne Ricealso wrote a follow-up novel toThe Young MessiahentitledThe Road to Cana, although it isn’t known if there are any plans to adapt that novel. While we wait for more details, check out the trailer forThe Young Messiahbelow. Will you be heading totheatersnext March to see this story unfold? We also have a making-of featurette.
