Nicolas Cage recently announced that he is considering transitioning from film to TV work in the near future. It's nearly impossible to discuss the world of cinema without mentioning Cage's iconic performances, from his daring exploits in "National Treasure" to his portrayal of iconic superheroes like Superman and Big Daddy in "Kick Ass."
The actor's career in movies appears to be winding down, but he's not retiring from acting entirely. Instead, Cage has announced his intention to shift his focus to television series in the coming years.
Nicolas Cage has 3 or 4 movies left in him
During a recent interview with Uproxx, Cage shared that he was considering stepping away from cinema: “Yeah… I mean, I like staying fresh. I like to keep mixing it up. I don’t want to get stuck in any genre or any performance style. I want to do it all. And I feel that I’ve, at this point – after 45 years of doing this; that in over 100 movies – I feel I’ve pretty much said what I’ve had to say with cinema. And I’d like to leave on a high note and say, “Adios.” I think I have to do maybe three or four more movies before I can get there, and then hopefully switch formats and go into some other way of expressing my acting.”
He expressed his desire to end his career on a high note with a movie like "Dream Scenario", but has other contractual obligations to fulfill. Still, he plans to be more selective in the future and explore different formats. "Dream Scenario" currently has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a strong potential ending to his career. The movie tells the story of a family man whose life is disrupted when he becomes a recurring figure in strangers' dreams, leading to nightmarish consequences and newfound fame.
Cage is now considering television as the next step in his acting career, a surprising shift for the once dedicated film actor. He attributes this change of heart to the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
"I've always been eclectic in my career, exploring the margins of film performance and working in various genres. The one thing I haven't tried yet is Broadway and television. Although I did try out for a pilot when I was 15, it didn't get picked up. I'm thinking about giving it another shot."
Surprisingly, Cage hadn't been much of a TV fan until recently when he watched Breaking Bad. He expressed interest in the character development and immersion possible in episodic television, particularly with streaming services. After seeing Bryan Cranston's performance in Breaking Bad, he's considering television as the next step in his career, recognizing the opportunity for characters to express themselves over time.
"I only recently discovered TV, just last year when my son introduced me to the format. I felt that there was potential there. Also, with my 60th birthday coming up soon and my father passing away at 75, I feel a new urgency to prioritize spending quality time with my family. I have young children and a baby daughter, so finding an episodic show to work on that allows me to stay in one place and be with my family is a personal goal. Additionally, I see this as an opportunity to continue learning, as I feel there may be new lessons for me in television that I can no longer find in cinema."
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Editor's P/S
Nicolas Cage's decision to transition from movies to TV marks a significant shift in the legendary actor's career. Known for his intense performances and eclectic filmography, Cage has left an indelible mark on the film industry. While it is sad to see him step away from the big screen, his reasons for doing so are understandable.
The evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, with the rise of streaming services and the increasing popularity of episodic television, has opened up new opportunities for actors. Cage's desire to explore these avenues and seek out roles that allow him to express himself in different ways is commendable. Additionally, his focus on spending quality time with his family and prioritizing their well-being is admirable.