Nicolas Cage has dismissed calls for him to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The actor appeared at the Miami Film Festival on Monday (6 March), where he was given the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award.
During his acceptance speech, the National Treasure star shared his views about the Marvel film franchise.
“I’ve gotta be nice about Marvel movies, because I named myself after a Stan Lee character named Luke Cage,” he said, referring to the well-known origins of his stage name.
“What am I going to do, put Marvel movies down? Stan Lee is my surrealistic father. He named me.”
He continued: “I understand what the frustration is. I get it. But I think there’s plenty of room for everybody. I’m seeing movies like [recent Oscar nominee] Tár. I’m seeing all kinds of artistic and independently driven movies. I think there’s plenty of room for everybody.”
When Cage was asked if he wants to join the ongoing Marvel film and TV franchise, he said: “I don’t need to be in the MCU, I’m Nic Cage.”
The Next star, born Nicolas Coppola, also spoke about his favourite movie genres.
“My personal favourite [genre] is independently spirited family drama,” Cage said. “I like movies that take place at home and the struggles we have at home and how we’re trying to either succeed and become better people or succumb to the pressures of the human experience.”
He then spoke about his fondness for horror, telling the crowd: “Some of the most talented artistic people now are making horror films. I think you can do so much.
“The reason why science fiction and horror is so important to me is that it gave me a format where I could express some of my more surrealistic and abstract dreams with film performance.”
Cage is next set to star in and produce the upcoming horror film Longlegs, written and directed by Osgood Perkins. According to reports, filming is set to begin this year.
