Nicolas Cage Slams Marvel Movies as a ‘Well-Funded and Glorified WWE’ 2 Months After Ryan Gosling Is Named New Ghost Rider

**Nicolas Cage Critiques Marvel’s Shift Towards Action Over Storytelling**

Nicolas Cage, known for his roles in various films, including the superhero character Ghost Rider, has recently expressed his concerns about the current direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Speaking at the Fan Expo Dallas, Cage shared his insights regarding the focus of Marvel films on action sequences at the expense of dramatic storytelling.

The 62-year-old actor highlighted a trend in the superhero genre, noting, “I do say this with love. 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.” Cage’s remarks resonate with many fans and critics who have observed a similar trajectory in blockbuster films, where action takes precedence over character development.

Cage, who portrayed Johnny Blaze—also known as Ghost Rider—in two films, Ghost Rider (2007) and its sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), spoke out following the cancellation of his own superhero project, Spider-Noir. Although the series, which aired on Prime Video, garnered a positive response from fans, it was discontinued after just one season. Interestingly, Spider-Noir was not part of the MCU, despite involving a popular comic book character, further reflecting the varied landscape of superhero adaptations.

The character of Ghost Rider is set to return to the screen within the MCU, with Ryan Gosling officially taking on the lead role in a forthcoming film. Gosling expressed enthusiasm for the project during San Diego Comic-Con, declaring it as a long-held ambition of his. Having made his mark as a leading actor, the transition to a superhero role marks a significant step in Gosling’s career. The new Ghost Rider film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who has previously collaborated on notable projects including Deadpool & Wolverine.

Cage’s journey as Ghost Rider began alongside actress Eva Mendes, who played Roxanne Simpson in the original films. His portrayal leaves a legacy that many fans hold dear, making the upcoming reboot a topic of great interest. The blending of veteran talents into the MCU framework continues to raise eyebrows and foster discussions about the balance of storytelling and spectacle.

Reflecting on his experience with Spider-Noir, Cage shared his vision for the show, revealing ambitions to merge elements from classic cinema with comic book storytelling. He sought to channel influences from legendary actors such as James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, aiming to cultivate an atmosphere reminiscent of film noir while also paying homage to the Spider-Man universe. “I wanted to create this almost like a pop-art Lichtenstein painting and performance style,” he remarked, showcasing his dedication to artistic integrity.

Cage also elaborated on the physical demands of the role, admitting that while he engaged in extensive wire work—necessary for portraying a character with spider-like abilities—the core of his performance was to capture the essence of the noir aesthetic. As he noted, “I was primarily focused on trying to craft this performance style that would fit in the black-and-white format,” indicating a creative process prioritising distinctiveness.

The actor, who previously lent his voice to the character in the animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, reiterated that the series he starred in diverged from that animation, establishing its own unique narrative space. With a focus on style and storytelling over mere spectacle, Cage aimed to carve out a fresh identity for his character.

Looking forward, Cage is set to star in a biopic titled Madden, which explores the life of the legendary NFL coach John Madden. In the backdrop of his evolving career, Marvel Studios is ramping up for the much-anticipated release of Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled to hit theatres on 18 December. As the superhero genre continues to thrive, Cage’s candid observations may provoke ongoing debate about the balance between action-packed entertainment and the richness of narrative depth within Hollywood’s evolving storytelling landscape.