During an appearance at Fan Expo Dallas, actor Nicolas Cage criticized the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a well-funded and glorified WWE, pointing to actors putting on ridiculous outfits for fight scenes. According to coverage from The Playlist and IGN, the Oscar-winning actor’s remarks quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mixed reactions from fans regarding his own ties to superhero projects.
Nicolas Cage’s Critique at Fan Expo Dallas
Speaking to convention attendees, Cage addressed the reliance on action sequences in modern comic book adaptations. “I do say this with love,” Cage said, as reported by The Playlist. “When I see these 50-plus and otherwise intelligent and remarkably gifted thespians putting on these ridiculous outfits and getting ready for the fight — let’s face it, it’s all cutting to the fight — it’s hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE.” IGN noted that the actor’s comments target Hollywood’s largest-grossing franchise of all time despite his own participation in a slew of comic book movie projects.
Cage’s History With Comic Book Adaptations
Cage’s critique arrives as he maintains a resume within comic book adaptations across film and television. As detailed by IGN, the actor starred in 2007’s Ghost Rider and its 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Sony’s Marvel series Spider-Noir cast Cage as Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York, though the eight-episode show was canceled after one season. Beyond live-action, Cage voiced Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, played Big Daddy in Kick-Ass, and voiced Superman in Teen Titans GO! To the Movies, alongside a cameo as Kal-El in The Flash.
Behind the Production of Spider-Noir
Prior to the release of Spider-Noir, Cage spoke with Variety about his approach to the series, which was adapted by Oren Uziel from the Marvel Comics character. Rather than leaning into standard superhero tropes, Cage explained that the production’s black-and-white, film noir aesthetic with German expressionism drew him to the project. “I wanted to try to create an essence of some of my favorite old world actors because I wanted to embody that style — Bogart, Cagney, Edward G. Robinson — and designed my performance to fit within the black-and-white format,” Cage told Variety. He admitted that taking on the television project felt risky and left him constantly worried about getting fired while blending old Hollywood acting styles with Stan Lee’s source material.
Future Marvel and Ghost Rider Projects
While Cage has concluded his run on Spider-Noir and past Ghost Rider films, the character of Ghost Rider is officially slated to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to reports, an MCU Ghost Rider project directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling is currently on the release calendar for July 28, 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicolas Cage and Marvel
Is Nicolas Cage part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
No. While Cage has starred in Sony’s Marvel-based series Spider-Noir and two Ghost Rider films, he is not a member of the official Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did Nicolas Cage say about the MCU?
At Fan Expo Dallas, Cage described the MCU as a “well-funded and glorified WWE,” criticizing the heavy reliance on fight scenes and actors wearing elaborate costumes.
What was Nicolas Cage’s role in Spider-Noir?
Cage played Ben Reilly, a 1930s private investigator and the sole superhero in New York City during the Great Depression, in an eight-episode series that aired on Sony.
When will Ghost Rider appear in the MCU?
An MCU Ghost Rider film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling is scheduled for release on July 28, 2028.
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