Nicolas Cage Calls Out MCU’s Biggest Problem, Brands It A “Well-Funded And Glorified WWE”

Nicolas Cage has delivered a surprisingly blunt critique of the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe, arguing that the franchise has become too focused on spectacle. His criticism is especially interesting because Cage has spent much of his career around comic-book adaptations. 

He has played Ghost Rider, voiced Spider-Man Noir, and most recently starred as Ben Reilly in ‘Spider-Noir’. So, his words hold weight.

Nicolas Cage Says Marvel Is Becoming Too Focused On The Fight

Speaking at Fan Expo Dallas, Cage made it clear that his comments weren’t meant as a personal attack on the actors involved. “I do say this with love,” he began before explaining what bothers him about the MCU’s current direction. Cage specifically pointed to the increasing number of veteran actors appearing in superhero roles.

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“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,” he said.

It is a harsh comparison, but Cage’s larger point appears to be about storytelling rather than the performers themselves. He believes the action has increasingly become the destination instead of something that serves the characters. And Cage’s own experience with ‘Spider-Noir’ makes his argument even more interesting.

‘Spider-Noir’ Shows The Kind Of Marvel Story Cage Wants

Cage explained that one of the things he appreciated about ‘Spider-Noir‘ was that it wasn’t built around constantly moving toward another superhero fight. “One of the things I like about ‘Spider-Noir,’ is that it wasn’t cutting to the fight. It was a detective story. There was a mystery there,” Cage said.

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He then summed up what he would like to see from Marvel: “I would like to see it get back to telling the stories and not just cutting to the wrestling match.” That distinction says a lot about why the show appealed to him. Cage wasn’t simply interested in playing another superhero. 

He wanted the opportunity to build a performance around classic noir influences, mystery and atmosphere. Whether audiences agree with Cage or not, his comments come from someone who clearly still enjoys comic-book characters. He just seems to want Marvel to remember that the characters should matter just as much as the spectacle.

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