Nicolas Cage Compares MCU to WWE in Spider-Noir Interview

Superhero films remain a constant topic of discussion as both Marvel and DC release numerous television shows and movies. Actor Nicolas Cage shared his thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a recent panel at Fan Expo Dallas.

“I do say this with love,” Cage started with a laugh. “But 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.”

Nicolas Cage’s funny quip on the MCU revitalizes an old debate

The quote sparked immediate online discussion. Some fans view Cage as hypocritical because of his past role as Johnny Blaze in the 2007 and 2011 Ghost Rider films and his role as investigator Ben Reilly in Spider-Noir. Other fans applaud the actor for highlighting how action sequences often dominate these movies.

Cage joins a growing list of Hollywood figures who have critiqued the franchise. In 2019, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese told Empire magazine that he could not connect with contemporary superhero films.

“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” Scorsese said. “Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well-made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”

Cage took a lighter approach than Scorsese by focusing primarily on the age and extensive resumes of the actors involved. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are legendary British actors with knighthoods, while Robert Downey Jr. won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer and will portray Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday at age 61.

Audiences approach the franchise in different ways. Some viewers enjoy the massive blockbuster entertainment, while others maintain a deep emotional connection to the characters brought to life by these veteran performers.

Source: Polygon