Hollywood veteran Nicolas Cage has showered high praise on his The Carpenter’s Son co-star Isla Johnston, even ranking her above legendary actress Meryl Streep.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), the Oscar-winning actor spoke about his admiration for the young British star. “Listen, I can’t think of a better actor that I’ve ever worked with, and I include Meryl Streep in that group,” Cage said, referring to Johnston.
The National Treasure actor went on to predict a bright future for the 18-year-old, calling her “one of the most luminary stars in cinema.” He added, “She has that thousand-yard stare that looks right through you — into the epicenter of your creation and your DNA. It’s wild.”
Cage’s comments come amid reports that Baz Luhrmann and Warner Bros. are considering Isla Johnston to play Joan of Arc (Jehanne d’Arc) in an upcoming project — a role Cage believes suits her perfectly.
Johnston, best known for portraying young Beth Harmon in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and her role in Apple TV’s sci-fi series Invasion, has been gaining widespread recognition for her talent and on-screen presence.
Nicolas Cage’s new film The Carpenter’s Son, featuring Isla Johnston, hits cinemas on November 14, 2025, and is already generating buzz for its powerful performances and emotional depth.