The Enigmatic World of Nicolas Cage's A24 Film: Release Date, Cast, Trailer, and Latest Updates

It's hard to believe that A24 hasn't collaborated with beloved actor Nicolas Cage before, but his first project with the Academy Award-winning indie production company will be Dream Scenario. There was a time when Cage, an Oscar-winning actor himself, was in a career slump, making low-budget straight-to-video films that didn't reflect his talent. However, in recent years, Cage has received universal praise for his performances, including his emotionally charged role in Pig, his satirical portrayal in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and his chilling villain in Renfield. This career resurgence can be attributed in part to his exploration of existential horror in films like Mandy and Color Out of Space, which have gained a cult following. A24, known for producing unique and thought-provoking films, is the perfect fit for Cage. Dream Scenario seems like an ideal project to bring these two powerhouses together. For more information about the dark comedy's cast, director, release date, and more, read on to discover everything we know so far about Dream Scenario.

Note: This piece was last updated on October 26, 2023.

A24Dream Scenario presents an image where hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) experiences a dramatic twist in his life as millions of strangers begin to see him in their dreams. However, as his nocturnal appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul must navigate his newfound fame in this wickedly entertaining comedy. This film is written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and produced by Ari Aster.

When Is 'Dream Scenario' Coming Out?

is a comedy film titled "Title" directed by Kristoffer Borgli. It is set to be released on October 11, 2023. The cast includes Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Michael Cera, Dylan Baker, Kate Berlant, and Jessica Clement. With a runtime of 100 minutes, the film falls under the main genre of comedy and genres of fantasy and satire. The writers of the film are Kristoffer Borgli and the tagline of the film is "Meet the man of your dreams." It is produced by Square Peg and distributed by A24. The film is rated R.

Image via A24

Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage and produced by A24, will finally become a reality when it hits theaters on November 10, 2023. Garnering positive reviews, the film made its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9. Ross Bonaime, a reviewer on our website, rated the film a solid B in his critique.

"Despite Borgli's short career, his innovative ideas like this showcase him as a filmmaker who truly sparks excitement for the future. Similarly, Cage's notable body of work has consistently demonstrated his brilliance, and Dream Scenario further cements his repertoire of outstanding roles in recent years."

Where Can You Watch 'Dream Scenario'?

Rest assured, those worried that only a select few were able to see the film at TIFF can now relax. A24 has officially announced that Dream Scenario will have its exclusive theatrical premiere on November 10th.

Despite mainly producing lower budget and niche projects, A24 has consistently been dedicated to releasing films in theaters, and understandably so. Their previous film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, achieved considerable success at the box office and earned numerous Academy Awards. Additionally, Talk to Me not only performed well financially but also received enough acclaim to receive approval for a sequel. While plans for a streaming release of Dream Scenario have not yet been disclosed, it is definitely being considered as a possibility.

Is There a Trailer for 'Dream Scenario'?

The initial trailer for Dream Scenario was unveiled on September 19 by A24, featuring the track "Dreams" by The Cranberries. The trailer showcases the film's exceptional humor and includes snippets of positive feedback from critics.

A promotional video was released by A24 on October 26, beginning with Nicolas Cage declaring that the film is a masterpiece.

Who's In the 'Dream Scenario' Cast?

Image via TIFF

Nicolas Cage, known for his notable performances in films such as "Face-Off," has been announced as the lead in Dream Scenario. Cage, a remarkably talented actor, consistently impresses with his unwavering dedication and skill. Prior to Cage's involvement, Adam Sandler was being considered for the role of Paul Matthews. In an interview with Perri Nemiroff, Borgli elaborated on why Cage ultimately emerged as the perfect choice.

"He transformed the character into a captivating and intriguing presence. His unconventional and captivating choices truly captivate and surprise in the best way possible."

What's even more impressive is that Cage isn't the sole celebrity in the movie. Joining him is the talented Michael Cera from The Adults, who has gained renewed attention for his unforgettable portrayal of Allan in Barbie. The cast further boasts the exceptional Julianne Nicholson, who earned an Emmy victory for her remarkable performance in Mare of Easttown.

Audiences can also anticipate appearances from Dylan Baker of Hunters and Tim Meadows of The Goldbergs. Additional cast members include Dylan Gelula from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Kate Berlant from Sorry to Bother You, Lily Gao from Slip, Noah Lamanna from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Krista Bridges from Narc, Paula Boudreau from Doc, Marnie McPhail from The Edison Twins, Kaleb Horn from The Kid Detective, and Sofia Banzhaf from Closet Monster.

What's the Plot of 'Dream Scenario'?

Image via A24

In Dream Scenario, Professor Paul Matthews, a socially isolated individual, experiences a remarkable change when numerous unrelated individuals start seeing him in their dreams. The reasons behind this phenomenon remain a perplexing enigma for the college professor, leading him to embark on a quest for answers. While this may seem like a plot more suited for a science fiction or fantasy mystery, the film takes a humorous and chilling route, categorizing it as a horror comedy. Paul finds himself questioning whether these unanswered queries were better left untouched.

The film's official plot synopsis follows Hapless family man Paul Matthews (played by Nicolas Cage) as his life is completely upended when he unexpectedly becomes the subject of millions of people's dreams. However, as his appearances in these dreams take a dark and unsettling turn, Paul must navigate his newfound fame in this delightfully humorous comedy. The film is directed by Kristoffer Borgli (known for Sick of Myself) and produced by Ari Aster.

Who's Making 'Dream Scenario'?

Image via Kristoffer Borgli on Instagram

Directing and writing Dream Scenario is up-and-coming filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, who gained recognition from indie film fans last year with his critically acclaimed dramatic horror film, Sick of Myself. Although Borgli is not yet a globally recognized household name, one of the producers of the film is currently one of the biggest names in cinema. That producer is Ari Aster, who has experienced great success with A24 after directing Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau is Afraid. These three films are widely regarded as some of the greatest and best horror films of the past decade. Joining the film's crew are cinematographer Benjamin Loeb (known for Pieces of a Woman), production designer Zosia Mackenzie (credited for Infinity Pool), art director John O'Regan (noted for Firestarter), art director Brittany Morrison (recognized for Possessor), and costume designer Natalie Bronfman (known for her work on The Handmaid's Tale).

When Was 'Dream Scenario' Filmed?

Dream Scenario was filmed in December 2022, as evidenced by the set images shared by Kristoffer Borgli. These images showcase Cage in a whole new light, generating excitement for the highly anticipated project. While the photos reveal the dedicated effort of the crew, the enigmatic storyline of the film remains shrouded in mystery. Take a glimpse at the captivating images here: