Nicolas Cage calls the MCU a 'well-funded and glorified WWE' at Fan Expo Dallas
At Fan Expo Dallas, Nicolas Cage said the Marvel Cinematic Universe is becoming a "glorified WWE". Coverage differs on emphasis: /Film agrees with him, while Variety stresses his own Marvel ties.
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The story, neutrally told
Nicolas Cage criticised the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a recent appearance at Fan Expo Dallas. /FilmN “During a recent appearance at Fan Expo Dallas, Cage had some not-kind (but frankly justified) words for the MCU” Read at /Film ↗ VarietyLC “during a recent conversation at Fan Expo Dallas (via The Playlist)” Read at Variety ↗ He said he spoke "with love", but that seeing gifted actors aged 50-plus in "ridiculous outfits" getting ready to fight reminded him that the MCU "is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE". VarietyLC “it’s hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE.” Read at Variety ↗ /FilmN “"I do say this with love," Cage stated” Read at /Film ↗ Variety reports the remarks are gaining traction on social media, with some agreeing and others questioning him given his own superhero work. VarietyLC “many people either agreeing with the Oscar-winning actor or questioning him considering his own ties to superhero projects” Read at Variety ↗
Cage is not part of the MCU, but he played Ghost Rider in two films (2007 and 2012) and starred in Sony's Marvel series "Spider-Noir". VarietyLC “Cage is not a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although he just played the title character in Sony’s Marvel series “Spider-Noir.”” Read at Variety ↗ /FilmN “he's never been a part of the official Marvel Cinematic Universe” Read at /Film ↗ Variety says "Spider-Noir" was canceled after one season of eight episodes. VarietyLC “The show was canceled after one season, which consisted of eight episodes.” Read at Variety ↗ Ghost Rider is joining the MCU with Ryan Gosling; Variety says Shawn Levy's film is scheduled for July 28, 2028. VarietyLC “The MCU’s “Ghost Rider,” directed by Shawn Levy, is on the release calendar for July 28, 2028.” Read at Variety ↗ /FilmN “who is finally joining the MCU in the form of Ryan Gosling” Read at /Film ↗
/Film's writer endorses Cage's view, arguing MCU actors often have little to do and are replaced by stunt doubles or CGI in fight scenes. /FilmN “I really do think he has a point.”“They mostly slap on costumes, do some poses, and then get replaced by either stunt doubles or CGI bodies for fight sequences.” Read at /Film ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- Variety treats it as a social-media talking point and places Cage's remarks alongside his own Marvel history, including the canceled 'Spider-Noir'.
- Emphasis
- Cage's ties to Marvel projects, 'Spider-Noir' details, and his earlier comments on why he took the show.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Offers no opinion on whether Cage is right, and does not mention his near-cameo in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
- Charged language
- “quickly gaining traction on social media”
- For example
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“many people either agreeing with the Oscar-winning actor or questioning him considering his own ties to superhero projects” — Variety
Centre1 outlet
- Framing
- /Film's opinion piece backs Cage, calling his words justified and criticising MCU fight-driven storytelling and the 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailers.
- Emphasis
- Agreement with Cage, MCU actors having little to do, and the trailers for 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not mention the canceled 'Spider-Noir' or the social-media debate over Cage's own Marvel ties.
- Charged language
- “Slams”“not-kind (but frankly justified)”“the trailers released so far have been dire”
- For example
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“I'm sure some hardcore fans will take umbrage with Cage's comments here, but I really do think he has a point.” — /Film
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Cage made the comments at Fan Expo Dallas.
- Cage said the MCU is becoming a 'well-funded and glorified WWE' and prefaced it with 'I do say this with love'.
- Cage has never been part of the MCU but played Ghost Rider, who is now joining it with Ryan Gosling.
Nicolas Cage person
Says he is speaking with love but sees the MCU as increasingly a fight-focused spectacle like pro wrestling. Separately told Variety he took on 'Spider-Noir' for its black-and-white noir style, not its superhero roots.
““I do say this with love,” Cage said at the convention.” — Variety
“not because of its superhero roots but because the show was being designed in black and white as a classic film noir” — Variety
Left1 article
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VarietyLC · · Opinion
Neutral News report on the remark and the online reaction, with context on Cage's Marvel roles and 'Spider-Noir'.
Centre1 article
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/FilmN · · Opinion
Ghost Rider Nicolas Cage Slams The MCU For Becoming A 'Glorified WWE'
Sympathetic Opinion piece that endorses Cage's critique and extends it to MCU trailers and storytelling.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 30 Sep 16:29 First /FilmN Ghost Rider Nicolas Cage Slams The MCU For Becoming A 'Glorified WWE' Opinion
- 30 Sep 22:54 +6h 24m VarietyLC Nicolas Cage Says the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Is Becoming a Well-Funded and Glorified WWE’ With 50-Plus Year Olds in ‘Ridiculous Outfits’ Opinion
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.