Pedro Pascal has it all. He has a hand in several major franchises (including the Star Wars saga with his lead role on The Mandalorian and HBO’s series adaptation of the video game, The Last of Us), a devoted fan base representing multiple generations, and some pretty epic lines of dialogue under his belt. Let’s take a dive into some of the coolest things the MCU’s Mr. Fantastic actor has said throughout his celebrated career.

"I Can Bring You In Warm, Or I Can Bring You In Cold" - The Mandalorian

I was immediately sold on Pedro Pascal's cosmic bounty hunter, Din Djarin, in the hit Disney+ original TV show, The Mandalorian, as soon as he uttered these chilling words to his bounty in the opening moments of the premiere episode of the Star Wars spinoff.

"Sometimes You Gotta Do Bad Things To Catch Bad People" - Narcos

Pedro Pascal starred in the fact-based Netflix original crime drama, Narcos, as DEA agent Javier Peña. With this quote, he. demonstrate the lengths that someone in law enforcement sometimes must go to in the effort of making an arrest, especially if the perpetrator is a criminal as notorious and untouchable as Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura).

"Because I Love You. In A Way You, You Can't Understand. Maybe You Never Will. But If That Day Should Come, If You Should Ever Have One Of Your Own, Well, Then, I Hope You Do A Little Better Than Me" - The Last Of Us

In one of the most heartbreaking episodes of The Last of Us, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) finally reveals to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) that he saved her from the Fireflies because making a cure out of her immunity would have killed her. She finds this unforgivably selfish, but his explanation for why he chose her over the remaining human race, echoing something his father told him in his youth, hit me harder than nearly anything I have seen on the post-apocalyptic HBO series.

"After I Turn Sad, I Grow Angry" - Game Of Thrones

Widely considered to be Pedro Pascal's Hollywood breakthrough, including by the actor himself in a video for GQ, is when he joined the Game of Thrones cast as Oberyn Martell in the fantasy series' fourth season. The sharp-tongued prince is noted for having a complex range of emotions, as he sums up quite efficiently with this brief collection of words.

"My Son Don't Have ADD! He Just Like To Jump!" - Saturday Night Live

Pedro Pascal made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live in an episode that featured one of the most popular bits from the celebrated sketch comedy TV show's 48th season. In it, he plays the eponymous, Spanish-speaking "Protective Mom" of Louis (Marcello Hernandez), who does not approve of his new, white girlfriend, Britney (Chloe Fineman), and insists to her that her son does not need to take ADD medication.

"When You Grow Up Without Something You... End Up Spending A Lot Of Time Thinking About It" - The Wild Robot

Pedro Pascal lent his voice to the instant classic family film, The Wild Robot, in the heart-stealing role of Fink the Fox, who becomes an unlikely ally to the lost, A.I.-powered being, Roz (Lupita Nyong'o). In one scene, he explains to his new mechanical friend the concept of love, adding that he knows a lot about it because he never received it in his youth.

"I Cried Through The Entire Thing. It Made Me Want To Be A Better Man" - The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent

In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Pedro Pascal stars opposite Nicolas Cage, playing a wildly exaggerated version of himself, as the wealthy Javi Gutiérrez, who wants nothing more than to see the Face/Off star visit his home for his birthday. The Oscar winner and billionaire end up really hitting it off and bond over their love of movies like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Paddington 2, the latter of which Javi convinces Cage to watch by describing it as life-changing.

"I Don't Know If You Like Me Or If You Just Like The Places I Take You" - Materialists

In writer and director Seline Song's 2025 A24 movie, Materialists, Pedro Pascal stars as Harry, a wealthy New Yorker courting Dakota Johnson's matchmaker, Lucy, while uncertain if she reciprocates his affection.

"Life Is Good! But It Can Be Better" - Wonder Woman 1984

In Wonder Woman 1984, Pedro Pascal plays multi-millionaire and media mogul Maxwell Lord, who is constantly asked by those he meets to repeat his famous catchphrase, which he always happily obliges. Fun fact: Patty Jenkins' 2020 sequel marked the actor's second time starring in an adaptation of the DC comic after appearing in a failed pilot for a Wonder Woman TV series from the mid-2000s.

"This Is The Way" - The Mandalorian

As a fan of The Mandalorian, I never tire of hearing Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin utter what is not just a simple catchphrase, but an expression of his devotion to his creed.

"The Next Thing I Know, I'm FaceTiming With A Six-Year-Old Who Has No Idea Who I Am Because My Character Wears A Mask For The Entire Show" - Saturday Night Live

In the opening monologue of his SNL debut, Pedro Pascal described a time when a fan stopped him and asked if he could say hello to his son, who is a fan of The Mandalorian. Unfortunately, he did not have Din Djarin's helmet and armor with him, so the encounter, via video chat, was seemingly not quite what the child might have hoped for.

"Well, I Feel A Little Lightheaded. Maybe If You Give Me A 60-lb Pack And I Slung A Buddy Over My Shoulder, I Can Make It" - Brothers & Sisters

One of Pedro Pascal's early TV roles was a guest spot on ABC's Brothers & Sisters as a homeless former Marine named Zack. In addition to poverty, he is also struggling to reintegrate himself into society, which he cheekily hints at after paramedic and fellow war veteran Justin Walker (Dave Annable) asks if he can walk to the ambulance by himself.

"Years ago, You Asked Me What Two Men Could Do Living Together On A Ranch. I'll Answer You Now. They Can Look After One Another, Protect Each Other. They Can Keep Each Other Company" - Strange Way Of Life

Pedro Pascal is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and has even played a few members of the community, such as Silva in writer and director Pedro Almodóvar's 30-minute Western, Strange Way of Life. He portrays the role opposite Ethan Hawke as his former lover, Jake, to whom he provides a short, sweet summation of how a romantic relationship between two men is really no different from a relationship between a man and a woman.

"Wherever I Go, He Goes" - The Mandalorian

For all of its exciting action sequences and intriguing additions to Star Wars lore, the heart and soul of The Mandalorian and the one thing that keeps fans invested in the series is the impenetrable bond between Din Djarin and his foundling, Grogu, who was referred to as "Baby Yoda" early on.

"If You Love Someone, You Can Always See Their Face" - The Last Of Us

Some fans of The Last of Us believe that Joel goes too far in the Season 2 episode in which he kills the bitten Eugene (Joe Pantoliano), depriving him of the chance to see his wife once more, no matter how hard he pleads. I will give Pedro Pascal's character some credit, though, for the way he reminds the desperate man that he can still see Gail (Catherine O'Hara) right there and then if his love for her is strong enough.

"The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend, Until He Becomes My Enemy Again. When That Happens, God Help Them" - Narcos

Here, Pedro Pascal's Narcos character, Javier Peña, expresses his personal variation on a seminal Sanskrit saying.

"Why Do You Make Sparkly, Fast, Romantic Montages Of Me Every Single Day?" - Saturday Night Live

When Pedro Pascal made his SNL hosting debut, the show included a sketch poking fun at his reputation as "the internet's daddy." In the bit, he plays a teacher presenting a school assembly about the rules of technology use on campus, during which he takes the opportunity to address weird "fancams" his students have made of him on TikTok.

"I Like Those Odds" - The Mandalorian

This quote from The Mandalorian is iconic for a couple of different reasons. On one hand, it shows that Din Djarin is a warrior of calculated skill, and on the other, it is the inverse of one of the most famous quotes from Harrison Ford's Star Wars character, Han Solo, which is, "Never tell me the odds."

"Size Doesn't Matter When You're Flat On Your Back" - Game Of Thrones

While Oberyn Martell's unbridled confidence is one of the reasons Game of Thrones fans fell in love with Pedro Pascal's character, it would also seal his downfall as one of the last things he said to The Mountain before the behemoth (played by three different actors) savagely murdered the prince.

"Wizard" - The Book Of Boba Fett

In an episode of The Book of Boba Fett that could more accurately be described as a Mandalorian bonus episode, Din Djarin uses this positive slang term, originating from 1999's Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, to express his satisfaction with his new ship, an N-1 Starfighter built by Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris).

"If You Say 'Look For The Light,' I Will Break Your Jaw" - The Last Of Us

In the first episode of The Last Of Us, we learn the Fireflies' hopeful slogan, "When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light," which Joel Miller has no patience for at this time.

"You Can't Keep Your Own Office Going, But You're Going To Run Mine. Leave You Mess Here And Start A Whole New One" - Eddington

In one of the best scenes from writer and director Ari Aster's satirical COVID-19-era Western, Eddington, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), the mayor of the fictional eponymous town, confronts the local sheriff, Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), about his recently announced mayoral campaign.

"What Good Is Being The King If Nobody Knows It?" - Narcos

With this Narcos quote, Pedro Pascal's Javier Peña points out a harsh truth that even the most powerful criminals are forced to contend with.

"It Is Rare To Meet A Lannister Who Shares My Enthusiasm For Dead Lannisters" - Game Of Thrones

This Game of Thrones quote is a testament to Oberyn Martell's passionately vengeful motivation against the Lannisters for the justice committed against his sister.

"I Don't Know. All I Know Is That When I Wake Up, I Know I've Lost Something" - The Last Of Us

No person goes a single night without dreaming, but not everybody remembers their dreams, despite still waking up with their emotional remnants. Joel Miller hints at being this kind of person in a The Last of Us episode in which his younger brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna), asks what he dreams about. His answer also suggests that the tragic death of his daughter, Sarah (Nico Parker), haunts his subconscious.

"Are You A Jedi?" - The Mandalorian

Din Djarin's response to meeting Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the Season 2 finale of The Mandalorian has gone down in history as one of the series' most unintentionally hilarious lines.

"Storytelling Is Lying-Adjacent, And I Lie For A Living. Watch And Learn" - The Wild Robot

In The Wild Robot, Fink the Fox uses his talent for dishonesty to teach Roz how to tell Brightbill a bedtime story.

"I Have 34 First Cousins... I Know They're Proud Because They Give My Phone Number To Every Single Person They Meet" - Saturday Night Live

Pedro Pascal did not shy away from poking fun at his extensive family from his home country of Chile, adding that he gets calls and texts on a daily basis asking to wish fans a happy birthday, questions about Grogu, etc.

"I Feel Like A Tornado In A Trailer Park" - Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Even though this line from 2017's Kingsman: The Golden Circle is kinda lifted from Pixar's Cars, Pedro Pascal makes it his own with the way he delivers it as Southern-fried secret agent, Whiskey.

"There’s No Way Out, Carlitos. You’re Going To Disneyland" - Narcos

Something funny about this Javier Peña quote from Narcos that may or may not be intentional is that Pablo Escobar once perfectly blended in with the crowds at Walt Disney World while paying the theme park a visit with his family in the early 1980s, according to Newsweek.

"When It Comes To War, I Fight For Dorne. When It Comes To Love, I Don't Choose Sides" - Game Of Thrones

Game of Thrones' Oberyn Martell is among the LGBTQIA+ characters whom Pedro Pascal has played. The character explains here that he feels romantic feelings for both men and women.

"Because He Was Outstanding In His Field" - The Last Of Us

One of the few comparatively lighthearted episodes from the first season of The Last of Us sees Ellie passing the time by reading from a book of childish puns. Here, Joel provides the punchline to the setup, "Why did the scarecrow get an award?"

It is never not a blast to see celebrities make funny cameos in movies or TV shows, or even appear in starring roles, as themselves, especially as a version of themselves that bears little resemblance to their actual personality. Take a look at some of the funniest examples of actors and other artists poking fun at themselves in a hilarious onscreen performance.

Michael Cera (This Is The End)

Each member of the cast of 2013's This Is the End is a celebrity playing an exaggerated version of themselves, but the absolutely wildest of the bunch is Michael Cera. The actor plays dramatically against type as a destructive force of chaos at James Franco's house party... before destructive forces of chaos begin descending upon the entire Earth in Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's blistering apocalyptic satire.

Kate Winslet (Extras)

Co-creator and star Ricky Gervais' Hollywood satire, Extras, boasted a gut-busting rotation of celebrity guest stars playing the most ridiculously antithetical versions of themselves, one of the most memorable being Kate Winslet. Years before she took home an Academy Award for The Reader, the English actor appeared in an episode in which she openly obsesses over finding the role that will win her an Oscar.

Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

Seinfeld cast member Jason Alexander eventually realized that his hopelessly neurotic character, George Costanza, was the fictional alter ego of co-creator Larry David. However, none of George's self-destructive and alienating flaws on the beloved TV sitcom could compare to David's self-parodic portrayal of himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm, on which the comedian would seemingly go out of his way to offend friends, family members, and just about anyone he came into contact with.

Bill Murray (Zombieland)

Out of all the amazing, random Bill Murray cameos to choose from, the most iconic would have to be his appearance in 2009's Zombieland when our four protagonists (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin) stumble upon him while taking refuge in his mansion. It is actually not too much of a stretch to believe that this is how the comedy legend might live during the zombie apocalypse, from dressing himself up as one of the undead to blend in, to citing Garfield as his one regret before succumbing to an accidental shotgun blast.

Bob Barker (Happy Gilmore)

After decades of maintaining a sunny demeanor as the host of The Price is Right, it was shocking to see Bob Barker appear as anything but in his iconic cameo in 1995's Happy Gilmore. Adam Sandler's title character gets fed up with Barker's incessant criticism of his golfing skills, driving him to show him that "the price is wrong," only to discover that the older man has some real fight in him.

Stephen Hawking (The Simpsons)

Influential theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking played himself on The Simpsons on multiple occasions. One of the funnier instances comes from the Season 10 episode, "They Saved Lisa's Brain," in which he clocks Seymour Skinner in the face with a spring-loaded boxing glove built into his wheelchair.

Prince (New Girl)

As New Girl creator Liz Meriwether recalled in an article for Vulture (via Slate), Prince loved the quirky sitcom, which is why he agreed to guest star in an episode that, essentially, portrays him as some sort of mysterious magical guide. Quite frankly, it is hard to think of this portrayal as much of an exaggeration from the late, great pop star's true, legendary persona.

David Hasselhoff (The Spongebob Squarepants Movie)

Even though most young audience members seeing The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie in 2004 likely were not familiar with David Hasselhoff, it still makes perfect sense that the former Baywatch star would come to SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) and Patrick's (Bill Fagerbakke) rescue near the end. The actor uses his body as a motorboat to transport the duo back to Bikini Bottom, which was achieved in part with the use of a frighteningly realistic, double-sized replica, which he later brought home with him.

Zach Galifianakis (Between Two Ferns)

Zach Galifianakis has a great reputation as a wonderful talk show guest, despite his alter ego on Between Two Ferns being an absolute disaster as a talk show host. After years of mercilessly roasting celebrities to their faces on Funny or Die's web series, it inspired a mockumentary-style Netflix original movie in which the Hangover star also got to be the butt of the joke.

Neil Patrick Harris (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle)

You might as well call Neil Patrick Harris' performance in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle his audition to play Barney Stinson, considering his highly fictionalized alter ego has much more in common with his role in the How I Met Your Mother cast. The Emmy winner goes further with the uproarious portrayal in the sequels, which reveal the actor is only pretending to be gay to better his career.

Nicolas Cage (The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent)

I can understand why Nicolas Cage was initially reluctant to play himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, especially for the pretty far-out ways the Academy Award winner pokes fun at himself and his unique career in the film. Then again, it does paint him in a largely positive light and even allows him to be the hero of its irreverent, comedic action plot in the end.

David Bowie (Zoolander)

Admittedly, David Bowie's cameo in Zoolander is relatively tame when compared to his out-of-this-world stage presence. However, the idea of the rock 'n roll legend randomly appearing out of nowhere to help judge an impromptu "Walk Off" between Ben Stiller's eponymous male model and his rival, Hansel (Owen Wilson), is still pretty ridiculous.

James Marsden (Jury Duty)

It takes a special kind of performance as one's self to receive an Emmy nomination for it, and that is what James Marsden achieved with Jury Duty. In the Amazon Prime original reality show, a gentleman named Ronald Gladden is called into serve on a trial he does not know is an elaborate prank on him, involving a cast of actors that includes the X-Men and Sonic the Hedgehog actor as a more vain portrait of himself.

Debra Messing (Bros)

Will & Grace star Debra Messing poked fun at her status as an icon in the gay community with her cameo in the LGBTQIA+ rom-com, Bros. The Emmy winner feels compelled to remind Bobby (Billy Eichner) that she is "NOT GRACE" when he asks her for romantic advice when all she wanted to do was tour his museum.

Keanu Reeves (Always Be My Maybe)

In addition to leading classic action movies like Speed and John Wick, Keanu Reeves has become a cameo king with funny, random appearances, such as in Netflix's 2019 comedy Always Be My Maybe. Marcus (Randall Park) is shocked to discover that his childhood friend, Sasha's (Ali Wong), new boyfriend is the actor, who partially improvised his portrayal as a pretentious weirdo who wears glasses without lenses and asks for a meal inspired by "the concept of time" at a restaurant.

John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich)

John Malkovich's performance in director Spike Jonze's inventive fantasy comedy, Being John Malkovich, is a special case of an actor playing an exaggerated version of himself because he is technically playing multiple roles. One famous scene sees the two-time Oscar nominee entering a portal that leads to his own mind, but places him in a nightmarish world filled with people who have his face and can only speak his last name.

LeBron James (Trainwreck)

LeBron James has made a decent living outside of his professional basketball career by playing fictionalized versions of himself in the likes of Space Jam: A New Legacy and the 2023 House Party remake. However, the movie that started it all was 2015's Trainwreck, which portrays him as the best friend of a doctor (played by Bill Hader) who specializes in treating star athletes.

Olivia Newton-John (Glee)

One of the most memorable guest appearances on Glee was the late Olivia Newton-John. The Grease star showed up on the coming-of-age musical-dramedy a couple of times, in which she is portrayed as extremely rude and "hopelessly devoted" to herself.

Bruce Campbell (My Name Is Bruce)

No matter what role he plays, it is hard to see Bruce Campbell as anything other than the hero of the Evil Dead movies, Ash Williams. The Scream King leans into that reputation in the 2007 horror-comedy movie, My Name Is Bruce (which he also directs), as a hard-drinking, washed-up version of himself who becomes the last hope to save a small Oregon town from a malevolent demon.

Jessica Biel (BoJack Horseman)

Netflix's animated Hollywood satire, BoJack Horseman, is especially famous for its uproarious celebrity cameos, one of the funniest being Jessica Biel. Not only does the former 7th Heaven cast member boldly call out her own career low points, but is also portrayed as the spouse of Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins), whom she leaves for her real-life husband, Justin Timberlake.

Eminem (The Interview)

Earlier in his career, Eminem was criticized for lyrics that were interpreted as homophobic, which he pokes fun at in a hilarious way in Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's The Interview. Arguably the funniest scene in the 2014 comedy sees the Grammy-winning rap artist speaking to talk show host Dave Skylark (James Franco), to whom he very nonchalantly reveals that he is a closeted gay man.

Kelly Ripa (Broad City)

TV personality Kelly Ripa brilliantly mocks her clean image with her cameo on Comedy Central's Broad City. During a visit to the beloved daytime talk show host's apartment, Abbi (co-creator Abbi Jacobson) discovers that she can be a pretty hard partier, especially when cracks open a jar of moonshine.

Ryan Reynolds (Family Guy)

Many celebrities have stopped by to voice appropriately cartoonish versions of themselves on Family Guy, including Ryan Reynolds, who clearly had a lot of fun with his guest spot. He moves in across the street from the Griffins and appears to take an intense liking to Peter (Seth MacFarlane), who begins to suspect that the actor has a crush on him.

Cher (Will & Grace)

In Season 3 of Will & Grace, Jack (Sean Hayes) becomes uncomfortably attached to a doll modeled after Cher, treating it as if it were the real multi-talented icon, much to the chagrin of his friends. When the real Cher appears to voice her concerns about his obsession, Jack mistakes her for a very convincing drag queen.

Carl Weathers (Arrested Development)

Some of Arrested Development's remarkably clever meta humor involved hilarious cameos by celebrities as themselves, most notably Carl Weathers. The Rocky and Predator star's appearances on the cult favorite sitcom saw him dropping clues of being extremely thrifty, to the point that he would save the meat on a mostly eaten rib to make stew.

Dave Grohl (Studio 666)

Each member of Foo Fighters willfully takes aim at themselves in the 2022 musical horror-comedy movie, Studio 666, but frontman Dave Grohl especially goes wild here. He becomes a threat to his bandmates after becoming possessed by a spirit that haunts the California house where they choose to record their tenth album.

Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)

One of Matt LeBlanc's most successful gigs after leaving the Friends cast was playing a very personal role on Showtime's Episodes. The actor earned a Golden Globe for portraying himself as likable but overbearing, as the married creators of a new TV show that he is cast in discover.

Shaun White (Friends With Benefits)

Olympic Gold Medal-winning snowboarder Shaun White seems like a fun, down-to-earth dude, which makes his cameo in Friends with Benefits as anything but that so memorably funny. Because of his interest in Jamie (Mila Kunis), White takes an immediate and very intense dislike toward her platonic, occasional lover, Dylan (Justin Timberlake), threatening him at every turn.

James Van Der Beek (Don’t Trust The B– in Apartment 23)

James Van Der Beek's first major return to TV after leading the Dawson’s Creek cast was a main role on Don’t Trust the B– in Apartment 23 as... James Van Der Beek. The actor's absurd portrayal of the famous best friend to Krysten Ritter’s Chloe is miles away from his true self, but it did somehow predict that he would later appear on Dancing with the Stars.

Ryan Seacrest (Knocked Up)

The timeline of Ryan Seacrest's hosting gigs is so prolific and extensive, he is almost (if not more) famous than many of the people he has interviewed over the years. He acknowledges this in his cameo in Knocked Up, in which the then-E! News presenter portrays himself as comically vain, ill-tempered, and foul-mouthed, which are not good qualities on camera.

Tom Brady (Living With Yourself)

The Netflix sci-fi comedy series, Living with Yourself, stars Paul Rudd as Miles Elliott, who discovers that a life-changing wellness spa has cloned him into a better version of himself when he comes face-to-face with his "flawed" double. In the first episode, Miles sees the New England Patriots quarterback walking out of the spa before revealing he has visited it six previous times, which also happened to be his number of Super Bowl wins at the time.

Al Pacino (Jack And Jill)

If there is one good thing about 2011's Jack and Jill, which stars Adam Sandler as both a family man and his obnoxious twin sister, it is Al Pacino's performance as himself. In the comedy, the Oscar winner expresses affection for Jill, which leads him to star in a "Dunkaccino" ad that he believes should be destroyed moments after watching it.

It’s no wonder the Back in Action blockbuster rose to the top spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list over the weekend, with the combined star power of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz leading. It’s been one of the most anticipated January movies on our 2025 Netflix movie and TV schedule and has unsurprisingly delivered. I’m pleased but a little astonished to see on that list that a bonkers and semi-recent Nicolas Cage flick is climbing the ranks.

Along with the new star-studded action comedy, which premiered Friday, January 17, Cage has been making recent headlines due to the passing of David Lynch. The Longlegs actor has been one of many other celebrities paying tribute to the prolific director as the world learned of the 78-year-old’s death. Whether the reason is the Face/Off actor’s blip in the news, the wild movie joining Netflix recently, or the combination of the two, the fact remains that it's dominating. The 2022 film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, may not be one of Cage's Top 5 Nic Cage movies, but it’s definitely one worth watching alongside Back in Action.

Back In Action Hit No. 1 On Netflix Over The Weekend

The Foxx and Diaz Netflix hit has been a buzz since its release. And while the megastars delivered a good flick, there was someone else who stole the show, according to our own Nick Venable. Beyond the lovable and familiar faces that lead this #1 movie, it’s a pretty classic feel-good adventure story with a lot of comedy woven in that almost any viewer can enjoy.

I think that this being the Charlie’s Angels alum's first movie post-coming out of retirement probably helped boost the movie, too. It’s reportedly the first of two movies for the There’s Something About Mary star’s deal with Netflix that's paying Diaz an incredibly large salary to return to Hollywood. The Holiday alum has mused about how she feels about returning to her classic movies like The Mask, and since she’s already in Shrek 5, coming out next year, who knows what’s possible?

The 2025 Seth Gordon film is a great film to pair with the odd but fun Nic Cage movie.

The Complete And Pleasant Surprise Of The 2022 Nic Cage Film Dominating

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent ranked as one of the Top 10 movies of 2022 and stars Nicolas Cage, of course, and Pedro Pascal. Currently, the meta-action movie is sitting at #5 on Netflix’s top movies, and for good reason. Many viewers saw it as a fun lovefest completely dedicated to the Moonstruck star, and rightfully so. The 61-year-old is, in my eyes, the only actor today who could pull this movie off with such edge and whimsy.

The Ghost Rider alum had no connection with the writing of the film but signed on to play a fictionalized version of himself. The movie centers around this characterized Cage, who’s going through financial troubles and agrees to attend an incredibly wealthy fan's birthday party. Of course, things aren’t as they seem, things go awry and Cage gets intertwined with the CIA after accepting the party invitation. It’s a wild ride from opening to closing credits and entertaining the whole way through and a great pairing for the Diaz/Foxx flick.

Will we see the meta Cage film eclipse the newest Netflix blockbuster, Back In Action, on the list? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: both movies are full of thrills and will keep you hooked between the nuttiness and the star power. That, and you can always count on a Nic Cage movie to be full of fun surprises.

Stream Back In Action and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with a Netflix subscription.

Nicolas Cage isn’t just an actor—he’s a cinematic force of nature. Renowned for his incredible, albeit over-the-top, performances, unhinged outbursts, and fearless dedication to every role, the Academy Award-winning actor brings an intensity uniquely his own. Often described as "Cage-ian," his acting style has spanned decades and genres. His career includes some of the biggest and best action movies, deeply personal indie projects, bizarro meta performances, and some of the best films of the 2000s.

Yet through it all, one thing remains consistent: his ability to transform even the most mundane scenes into something extraordinary. So, buckle up—it’s time to dive into the madness that is Nicolas Cage!

Not the Bees! – The Wicker Man

Nicolas Cage’s high-pitched screams during the infamous bee scene in The Wicker Man have become meme legend. Trapped in a helmet-like cage as CGI bees swarm, Cage’s over-the-top commitment turns this absurd moment from one of the worst remakes of all time into an unforgettable internet sensation.

“Peach… I Could Eat a Peach for Hours” – Face/Off

As the unhinged and flamboyantly evil Castor Troy in Face/Off, Cage transforms a seemingly ordinary line into an unforgettable moment of cinematic insanity from one of the best of the 90s cinematic offerings. With a devilish smirk and a glint of wicked delight in his eyes, he purrs, “Peach… I could eat a peach for hours,” imbuing the words with an unsettling mix of sleaze and charm–a standout example of the actor’s ability to elevate even the most absurd moments into a golden nugget.

The Bathroom Scene – Mandy

The bathroom scene in Mandy is a masterclass in unfiltered emotion, with Nicolas Cage delivering one of his career's rawest, most unforgettable moments. As Red Miller, Cage staggers into the bathroom, consumed by grief and fueled by vodka, teetering on the edge of sanity. What follows is an explosive combination of primal rage and inconsolable sorrow as he alternates between guttural screams and heart-wrenching sobs. The rest of the flick is a justifiable revenge tale and ride into a psychedelic hellscape.

Alphabetical Order Rage – Vampire’s Kiss

In Vampire’s Kiss, Nicolas Cage actually ate a cockroach, and that’s not even a fraction of the craziness of this movie. His character, Peter Loew, delivers one of the most bizarre and unforgettable meltdowns ever captured on film. Frustrated beyond reason, he explodes with a surreal mix of rage and absurdity, yelling, “HOW HARD IS IT TO FILE SOMETHING IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER?” at the top of his lungs. As if that weren’t enough, he then proceeds to shout the entire alphabet in an exaggerated, theatrical manner.

“Maybe I Shouldn't Breathe So Much, Terri” – Leaving Las Vegas

Nicolas Cage’s Ben Sanderson delivers this darkly humorous line during a drunken exchange in a bar. When Terri, trying to offer advice, suggests, “Maybe you shouldn’t drink so much,” Ben’s response is both cutting and tragic: “Maybe I shouldn’t breathe so much, Terri. Ha! Ha!” Delivered with a slurred, sarcastic laugh, the line perfectly encapsulates Ben’s self-destructive spiral and deep despair.

Meeting Susan Sweats – Adaptation

Nicolas Cage brilliantly captures Charlie Kaufman’s spiraling self-doubt in Adaptation as he sweats nervously before meeting Susan Orlean. His panicked inner monologue—riddled with insecurities about his bald head, clichés, and a mysterious leg bump—perfectly embodies his character’s unraveling anxiety.

“Key… Key!” – Trapped In Paradise

Leave it to Nicolas Cage to inject pure chaos into a holiday-themed heist movie. In Trapped in Paradise, Cage plays Bill Firpo, one of three bumbling brothers who decides to rob a small-town bank is the perfect Christmas activity. During a pivotal (and hilariously tense) scene, Bill’s frustration boils over into a frantic, almost operatic outburst as he repeatedly shouts, “Key… Key!” at the top of his lungs, transforming a small Christmas caper into a showcase of his signature over-the-top performance.

The Wind in the Hair – Con Air

There are a ton of things that don’t make sense in Con Air, but that doesn’t stop it from being a cult classic. Few scenes in action movie history are as instantly iconic as Nicolas Cage stepping off the bus in Con Air. Playing the stoic yet heroic Cameron Poe, Cage exudes effortless cool as his hair blows dramatically in the wind, set against a backdrop of sun-drenched desert and swelling music. It’s not an explosion, but the sheer cinematic power of that moment feels just as impactful.

"Cut the Chit Chat, A-Hole” – The Rock

Stanley Goodspeed starts out as a mild-mannered FBI chemist but eventually reaches his breaking point, delivering one of the most unexpectedly hilarious G-rated outbursts of the movie. After a tense encounter at the Palace of Fine Arts, where Sean Connery’s John Mason reunites with his daughter amidst a flurry of FBI activity, Goodspeed tries to keep things professional—at first. But as the scene unfolds, the growing tension between Goodspeed and Mason comes to a head.

Ambulance Crash – Bringing Out The Dead

Martin Scorsese’s Bringing Out the Dead is a film from the director’s oeuvre that doesn’t get talked about enough. Nicolas Cage delivers a hauntingly chaotic performance as Frank Pierce, a paramedic on the edge of total collapse. Among the many intense moments in the film, one standout scene occurs after Frank and his partner Marcus (Ving Rhames) are involved in a chaotic ambulance crash. The collision becomes the breaking point for Frank, who is already grappling with profound burnout and the ghosts of those he couldn’t save.

Twice the Square Footage! – The Family Man

Jack Campbell’s world is turned upside-down in The Family Man when his lavish Wall Street life is swapped for suburban simplicity. In a hilariously unhinged moment, Jack confronts a doorman who doesn’t recognize him, angrily shouting, “I’m the richest man in this building! I’ve got twice the square footage you have!” It’s Cage at his indignant, over-the-top best.

The “Snakeskin Jacket” Monologue – Wild At Heart

David Lynch’s surreal romantic crime thriller (very similar to Natural Born Killers) road movie Wild at Heart, Nicolas Cage’s Sailor Ripley delivers one of his most iconic lines—a moment that perfectly encapsulates his character’s rebellious spirit and Cage’s unparalleled ability to make the absurd feel profound. Early in the film, Sailor proudly declares his love for his snakeskin jacket, describing it with dramatic flair: “This is a snakeskin jacket! And for me, it’s a symbol of my individuality and my belief in personal freedom.”

The Devilish Sing-Song – Longlegs

In the recent horror sensation Longlegs, Nicolas Cage once again proves why he remains the reigning king of cinematic chaos with a chilling and utterly unhinged performance as the titular serial killer. As Dale Ferdinand Kobble—better known as Longlegs—Cage portrays a demented occultist who has eluded capture for over three decades. What sets Longlegs apart isn’t just his terrifying modus operandi—murdering entire families while leaving behind cryptic, occult-laden letters—but also his eerie penchant for breaking into unsettling sing-song performances that burrow deep into your psyche.

Mr. Negotiator – Grand Isle

In Grand Isle, Nicolas Cage delivers another performance packed with southern-fried tension, unpredictable energy, and unrelenting chaos. As Walter Franklin, a disgruntled ex-Marine who’s equal parts volatile and scheming, Cage revels in the chance to bring his signature blend of menace and humor to life. One standout moment comes when Walter sarcastically mocks Buddy, the hapless handyman roped into his and Fancy’s web of deceit, with the biting line, “Oh there HE IS. Mr. Negotiator all of a sudden.”

The Flaming Skull Transformation – Ghost Rider

The early 2000s were an interesting time for superhero movies—a transitional phase before the Marvel Cinematic Universe would dominate Hollywood. But even in that uncertain landscape, Nicolas Cage found his way into the genre with Ghost Rider, proving once again that no role is too absurd for him. Playing Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist cursed to become a fiery, skeletal vigilante, Cage doesn’t just embrace the chaos—he revels in it. The first transformation scene is where Cage truly lets loose and goes full-throttle.

The Coke-Fueled Cop – Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans

Few performances in Nicolas Cage’s career reach the deranged heights of his turn as Terence McDonagh in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Directed by Werner Herzog, this not-a-remake embraces chaos with a near-comedic fervor, giving Cage free rein to push every boundary imaginable. Playing a drug-addled, morally bankrupt detective navigating post-Katrina New Orleans, Cage transforms McDonagh into a spectacle of unchecked appetite and unhinged behavior—a man teetering on the edge of both sanity and humanity.

The Drug-Fueled Frenzy – Deadfall

In Deadfall, Nicolas Cage delivers an explosively unhinged performance as Eddie, a con artist defined by constant shouting and wild gesticulations. While the plot is a convoluted mess, Cage’s intensity makes this 1993 noir a must-watch for his fans.

Parents Zone, and Kid Zone – Mom And Dad

In Mom and Dad, Nicolas Cage delivers unrestrained madness as Brent Ryan, a suburban dad overtaken by a static-induced hysteria that drives parents to attack their kids. The darkly comedic horror blends chaos and satire, with Cage shining in his “Parents Zone and Kids Zone” rant—a hilariously unhinged tirade about family boundaries sparked by a pool table argument.

Driving Angry – Drive Angry

Behind the wheel of a muscle car, Nicolas Cage takes on one of his most wild-eyed and adrenaline-fueled roles as John Milton in Drive Angry. He plays an escaped soul from Hell on a mission to save his granddaughter from a satanic cult. With its grindhouse vibe and over-the-top action, the film is a non-stop spectacle of chaos, and Cage fully embraces the madness.

The Bike – Pig

In Pig, Nicolas Cage delivers a subdued, heartfelt performance as Rob, a reclusive chef searching for his stolen truffle pig. Amid the film’s quiet exploration of grief, one chaotic moment stands out: Rob steals a bike and screams at a stranger, a sudden, unforgettable burst of tension and humor.

Charlie’s High-Pitched Voice – Peggy Sue Got Married

Peggy Sue Got Married, Nicolas Cage takes an already intriguing premise—a woman time-traveling back to her high school years—and adds his “flavor” to the mix. Playing Charlie Bodell, Peggy Sue’s (Kathleen Turner) charming but flawed high school sweetheart, Cage makes the bold choice to give his character an exaggerated, nasally, high-pitched voice. It’s the kind of creative decision that defies conventional acting wisdom but somehow works.

“I’m a Little Tired…A Little Wired” – Gone In 60 Seconds

Memphis Raines perfectly captures the chaos and adrenaline of stealing 50 cars in one night with his iconic line: “I’m a little tired, a little wired, and I think I deserve a little appreciation!” Delivered with Cage’s signature swagger, it’s a fan-favorite moment that solidifies him as the ultimate antihero.

Shaking a Pickle – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Balthazar Blake is a centuries-old sorcerer tasked with saving the world—and mentoring an awkward young apprentice, Dave (Jay Baruchel). When Dave sheepishly confesses he needs help winning over a girl, Cage’s response is both hilarious and perfectly delivered: “Yes! Yes! Except I’m not your mentor.”

The Hokey Pokey – Mom And Dad

Few moments capture Nicolas Cage’s manic brilliance like the infamous “Hokey Pokey” scene in Mom and Dad. Playing a father consumed by a mysterious urge to kill his kids, Cage wields a sledgehammer against his pool table while sing-shouting the classic children’s tune. It’s bizarre, unsettling, and quintessentially Cage.

This Things Inside Me – Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Cage’s Johnny Blaze continues to struggle to control the demonic spirit —a curse that’s as much a burden as it is a power. This internal conflict comes to a head in a hilariously over-the-top rant that only Cage could deliver, yelling about the “ See, you're a bad man, and this thing, the Rider, he feeds on bad men. And he's hungry.”

Glove Slap – The Weather Man

Dave Spritz is a man unraveling under the pressures of his personal and professional life. One of the film’s standout moments comes when Dave confronts Russ, his estranged wife’s boyfriend, about his involvement in a family crisis. As the tension builds, Dave unexpectedly delivers a slap with a leather glove, turning an otherwise serious exchange into an absurdly hilarious moment.

The Entire Movie – Color Out of Space

In Color Out of Space, Nicolas Cage delivers a performance so wildly unpredictable that isolating just one moment feels impossible. As Nathan Gardner, a father grappling with the unrelenting madness of a cosmic invasion, Cage embodies a descent into chaos that is as fascinating as it is terrifying. His journey from a quirky but loving patriarch to an unhinged victim of otherworldly forces is a masterclass in Cage-ian intensity.

The Paint-Body Scene – Zandalee

In the sultry, chaotic world of Zandalee, Nicolas Cage delivers a performance that’s as raw and unfiltered as it gets. Playing Johnny, a volatile artist entangled in a torrid affair with his best friend’s wife, Cage channels his signature blend of unhinged energy. The standout scene comes when Johnny, reeling from the death of his friend Thierry, spirals into a painter’s meltdown, smearing himself with paint--part grief, rage, and self-destruction.

Laughing at the Diner – Raising Arizona

As H.I., Cage is a perfect blend of absurdity and heart, but one scene, in particular, stands out for its unhinged brilliance. During a tense diner conversation, H.I. lets out a laugh so surreal and unsettling that it leaves both the characters and the audience on edge. It’s a bizarre, off-kilter moment that captures the Coen Brothers’ knack for blending dark comedy with chaotic energy.

The Support Group – Renfield

Nicolas Cage’s Dracula steals the spotlight in Renfield, crashing a support group with gothic flair and delivering the unforgettable line: “Some call me the Dark One. Others, the Lord of Death. To most, I am... Dracula!” Balancing comedy and horror, Cage’s theatrical menace turns an innocent meeting into chaotic mayhem, cementing this as a quintessential Cage moment.

The Wall Climb Scene – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal’s wall-scaling antics in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent deliver a perfect mix of physical comedy and absurdity. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Cage embraces self-aware humor and action-hero flair, creating a hilariously chaotic moment that highlights his bromance with Pascal and the film’s meta brilliance.

Red Car Cameo – Never on Tuesday

In just 30 seconds, Nicolas Cage’s bizarre cameo in Never on Tuesday becomes iconic. Arriving in a Ferrari with a Pinocchio nose and high-pitched voice, he asks if help is needed, cackles maniacally, and speeds off. Cage’s absurdity and commitment turn this brief moment into a cult favorite, showcasing his ability to make even the shortest scenes unforgettable.

If there’s anything these past few years have taught us, it’s that we absolutely need to have a good sense of humor. Finding one can be tough but, thankfully, audiences have been able to get great laughs from some strong, big-screen comedies. This was true during 2022, as it delivered some incredibly entertaining and varied additions to the genre. Many of Hollywood’s best and brightest really brought their A-game in order to make viewers laugh (out loud, even). But which productions stand apart from the others as the best of the year?

Such a thing can be tough to think about, especially since there were so many funny bone-tingling flicks to hit theaters and/or streaming services over the last 12 months. Well, we’ve managed to compile a list of the best 10, ranked according to the strength of the laughs they delivered. So at the risk of delaying things any further, let’s look back at these humorous productions.

10. Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul.

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul is a thoroughly delightful and humorous movie. The feature film debut of director and writer Adamma Ebo, the mockumentary centers on the pastor and first lady of a megachurch, who attempt to move their ministry forward in the wake of a major scandal. Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall are the leads, and they’re downright impeccable as the embattled husband and wife team. The two veteran actors have immense chemistry, which serves them well during some of the wilder and rauncher moments. Hall, in particular, puts in a masterful (and heartbreaking) performance. 

There’s a lot to appreciate about this movie, which has Daniel Kaluuya and Jordan Peele among its producing team. But what’s really cool is that it highlights a slice of Americana that isn’t shown on the big screen all that often. Yes, there have been films that center on predominantly Black churches, but Adamma Ebo handles the subject matter with nuance. As a result, she finds humor in pitch-perfect ways, whether it be through parishioners being slain in the Spirit or clergymen getting competitive about their houses of worship. This film is fun and is certainly worth audiences’ time and prayers.

Where to stream Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul.: Peacock

9. See How They Run

Interestingly, 2022 delivered several notable mystery comedies (which I’m certainly not complaining about), and one of them was Tom George’s See How They Run. The 1950s-set tale sees a boozy, but seasoned police inspector – played by Sam Rockwell – joining forces with a younger constable (portrayed exceptionally by Saoirse Ronan) to solve a murder tied to the cast and crew of Agatha Christie’s The Moustrap. The film is delightful, featuring more than a few chuckleworthy moments. A lot of those laughs come from the varied personalities of the suspects, played by the likes of Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo and Adrien Brody. However, some of the best lines are delivered in scenes that solely feature Rockwell and Ronan. 

The movie delivers on comedy, but what keeps it from being higher on the list is its incredibly high level of self-awareness. While it’s mostly employed at the right moments, it sometimes feels as though Tom George and writer Mark Chappell are winking at mystery lovers a bit too often. Nevertheless, it’s a solid romp and probably the only production in which you’ll see Saoirse Ronan attempt a Richard Attenborough impression.

Where to stream See How They Run: HBO Max

8. Jackass Forever

Jackass Forever is expected to be the final installment in the film saga that was spawned by the beloved MTV reality comedy series. And if that proves to be the case, then this is one heck of a send-off. The OG cast (sans the fired Bam Margera) gave it their all and are joined by several newcomers that are more than game for the wild antics the franchise is famous for. There are so many hilarious (and incredibly dangerous) sights to behold, from Steve-O’s attempt to use his penis as a beehive to Johnny Knoxville’s tango with a bull, which some of the cast believe is Oscar-worthy material.

What’s most impressive about the Jeff Tremaine-directed feature is that it’s truly a love letter to everything Jackass. Amid the fresh elements, there are cool nods to past stunts and a sweet end-credits sequence that'll have you feeling reflective. It’s also hard not to smile at the mere sight of Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and the gang still doing their thing in their 40s and 50s. It’s enough to hit you in the feels – emotionally, not physically. In short, longtime fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the deftly balanced crotch pain and nostalgia at play here.

Where to stream Jackass Forever: Paramount+

7. Turning Red

Pixar graced the public with another classic this year in the form of Turning Red, a coming-of-age tale with a fantastical twist. Set in 2002, the film tells the story of 13-year-old Meilin, who (to her horror) discovers that she turns into a giant red panda whenever she’s overcome with emotions. Domee Shi, the first woman to solely helm a motion picture for the studio, finds plenty of humor within her protagonist’s extraordinary circumstances. As with most Pixar fare, the laughs aren’t so much derived from gags but from the natural interactions between the characters. Mei’s convos with her friends and her attempts to keep her secret safe are particularly funny. Her and her pals’ love of the boy band 4*Town also results in some comical pieces of dialogue.

All in all, there’s a warm and endearing spirit to Domee Shi’s movie, and that’s only amplified by the humor. Adolescence is a tricky topic to cover in any genre but difficult to joke about. Shi’s film is definitely a good one and can be enjoyed by those who vividly remember going through growing pains and others who are experiencing them now.

Where to stream Turning Red: Disney+

6. The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent

Like See How They Run, Nicolas Cage’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is very meta, but that approach works better here. This buddy comedy has Cage playing a fictionalized and down-on-his-luck version of himself who travels to Majorca to attend the birthday of a superfan (Pedro Pascal). And in the process, the actor gets thrust into a massive operation involving the CIA. Yes, the premise is just as wild as it sounds, and it totally works, resulting in a strong showcase for both Cage and Pascal. Cage initially found it “terrifying” to play himself in such a project, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by his work.

The film dives head first into the leading man’s iconic filmography and has no problem (lovingly) poking fun at it as well. What’s great about the film is that it’s surprisingly earnest and doesn’t lean too much on cynicism. Director and co-writer Tom Gormican deserves a lot of credit for crafting an uproarious action flick that seamlessly honors Nic Cage’s work while simultaneously adding another impressive notch to his acting tool belt. So give it a watch and maybe even check out a few Cage movies beforehand to get you warmed up.

Where to stream The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: Starz

5. Confess, Fletch

Most people probably wouldn’t have expected Confess, Fletch (a new installment in the Fletch film franchise) to be one of the year’s best comedies, but here we are. This adaptation of Gregory McDonald’s 1976 novel of the same name puts Jon Hamm in the role of Irwin Maurice Fletcher, and he’s perfect. Hamm skillfully portrays the quirky, yet astute, former investigative journalist of some repute, as he tries to prove his innocence after getting wrapped up in a murder. 

While the eccentric “Fletch” is funny on his own, the supporting cast is downright perfect. From Kyle MacLachlan’s EDM-loving art dealer Ronald Horan to Annie Mumolo’s talkative and haphazardous Eve, everyone gets their comedic moment in the sun. And one could write a whole paper on the genius of Marcia Gay Harden’s turn as Contessa. Director Greg Mottola, who penned the script with Zev Borow, controls the chaos with ease and should be commended for reinvigorating this classic series. One can only hope this isn’t the last time we see Jon Hamm don that Lakers hat and solve another mystery as Fletch.

Where to stream Confess Fletch: Showtime

4. The Banshees of Inisherin

Yes, The Banshees of Inisherin is one of the most depressing movies of the year. However, Martin McDonagh’s tale of two friends (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) includes a generous helping of humor. Some of it comes from Farrell’s dull, yet well-meaning, Pádraic, and Gleeson hilariously exudes the musically inclined Colm’s annoyance with his former friend’s inability to part ways with him. Kerry Condon also shines as Pádraic’s long-suffering sister, Siobhán. And Barry Keoghan gets the most laughs as the utterly uncouth (and absolutely tragic) Dominic. 

Martin McDonagh walks a fine line here in order to craft his tragicomedy, and he somehow strikes a perfect balance. Sure, there are moments that’ll make you gasp and maybe even tear up but, rest assured, you’ll also have some great laughs while watching this. And be sure to appreciate the talents of the legend that is Jenny the donkey.

Where to stream The Banshees of Inisherin: HBO Max

3. Bros

This year marked a bit of history for the comedy genre and cinema overall, as it saw the release of Bros, the first gay rom-com from a big studio – which also just happens to feature a main cast comprised of LGBTQ+ actors. The movie stars Billy Eichner, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Nicolas Stoller, as an emotionally unavailable podcast host. The pundit ultimately has his first true brush with romance when he meets a fellow commitment-weary guy (Luke Macfarlane). The result is a classic rom-com with a lot of heart and more than a few laugh-out-loud sequences like one that ingeniously uses Debra Messing.

Seeing as this is produced by 40-Year-Old-Virgin and Knocked Up vet Judd Apatow, there’s plenty of raunchy humor, including some wild sex scenes. The script also utilizes Billy Eichner’s signature wit to great effect. One definitely shouldn’t lose sight of the historic aspect of this cinematic endeavor. But what’s incredibly satisfying here is that the film serves up an old-school story from a fresh perspective – all while (affectionately) taking the piss out of the gay community.

Where to stream Bros: Peacock

2. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Few probably knew just what to expect from Everything Everywhere All At Once, but Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s milestone-setting, multiversal mindtrip took the world by storm. It’s emotionally affecting and thought-provoking, and it’s also flat-out hoot. Evelyn Quan Wang (Michelle Yeoh) encounters a plethora of widely funny elements amid her universe-hopping hijinks, including a universe with hot dog-fingered people and the kitchen-savvy Raccacoonie. But even before all of that, Daniels’ craft funny moments between Evelyn and her family and Jamie Lee Curtis’ Deirdre Beaubeirdre. The droll and nihilistic demeanor of the big bad Jobu Tupaki also generates a lot of humor.

There are honestly moments in this movie that are so absurd that you just can’t help but cackle, and that’s part of its charm. Daniels and their gifted cast and crew have created something quite extraordinary with this feature, and you need to see. Yes, it’s action-heavy, but you’ll cry, you’ll cheer and of course, you’ll howl with laughter. 

Where to stream Everything Everywhere All At Once: Showtime

1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Glass Onion, the sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimed murder mystery Knives Out, was highly anticipated, and Rian Johnson did not disappoint at all! The writer/director weaved together another intricate mystery and it’s not just smart – it’s a riot. Daniel Craig is at the top of his game in his second outing as Benoit Blanc, adding more layers and hilarious quirks to the southern sleuth. But every single member of the supporting cast really comes to play, with big names like the reunited Kathryn Hahn and Kate Hudson as well as Edward Norton and Dave Bautista injecting scenes with loads of levity. 

To put it simply, Rian Johnson just doesn’t miss when it comes to jokes, and he’s still one of the best at blending humor and social commentary. The man also knows how to write some truly memorable and uproarious lines. “Halle Berry!” and “What is reality?!” are going to live rent-free in folks’ heads for some time. His pop culture-infused script also includes some humorous macguffins that prove to be vital to the story. If it isn’t clear at this point, this is indeed the best comedy of the year. See it immediately, if not for the entertaining mystery then for the cavalcade of rapid-fire jokes.

Where to stream Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery: Will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 23

This was certainly a good year for comedy, and the 2023 new movie release schedule has some movies that are sure to leave viewers laughing. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Murder Mystery 2, Barbie and Cocaine Bear are only a few of the titles set to grace our screens. Let’s hope the next 12 months add even more strong entries to the genre.

As someone who has viewed so much television and so many movies in my nearly twenty-four years of living, I have to say that one of the most versatile actors I have ever seen on screen is Neil Patrick Harris. Truly, this man has range when it comes to acting, whether it be drama, comedy, a musical, or anything else. 

And not only that, but Harris can sing and dance and perform his butt off. He is seriously the definition of what I would consider a triple threat. But Harris has been around in the industry for many years, and today, we’re going to go over the best Neil Patrick Harris movies and TV shows, and how you can watch them streaming, or how to rent them. 

Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989-1993)

If you’re looking for a (mostly) '90s dramedy, check out Doogie Howser, M.D. In this series, we follow Doogie Howser, a seemingly normal teenager with a big brain and a gifted genius. But even if he has to deal with the normal everyday issues of growing up, there’s also a catch - he’s a licensed physician. 

For those who don’t know, this was Neil Patrick Harris' first big role, and just the start of a big career. But even then you can tell that he was made for television with his acting skills, and his natural charisma that he emitted as Doogie. Such a charm to watch him when he was young and to see him now, especially with all these other doctors shows out like Grey’s Anatomy or E.R. 

Stream Doogie Howser M.D. on Hulu.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Probably one of the most famous Neil Patrick Harris roles was his part as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. In this popular sitcom, a man recalls the story of how he met the mother of his children, detailing his personal life and love life that was always constantly changing, as well as his friends. 

Harris received acclaim for his portrayal of Barney Stinson. While the rest of the How I Met Your Mother cast is great, there’s nothing quite like Barney hitting on ladies or saying some ridiculous quote that will make you literally snort out your drink because you’re laughing so hard. He’s just legen -- wait for it -- dary. And you can’t stop him no matter what. I would straight-up watch a spinoff of just him years later. 

Stream How I Met Your Mother on Hulu.

Gone Girl (2014)

This amazing psychological thriller, directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn, is one of the best out there. Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, tells the story of a man whose wife goes missing, but in turn, he ends up becoming the biggest suspect. Now, he has to prove that it wasn’t him – but nothing is quite as it seems. 

While Neil Patrick Harris is known for many of his great comedic roles, he also had an amazing role in Gone Girl as Desi Collings, the ex-boyfriend of Amy (Rosamund Pike). His scenes in the movie were so amazing and he really showed off just how skilled he is as a dramatic actor as well. I wish he was in more roles like this because he truly shined. 

Rent/Buy Gone Girl on Amazon.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (2022)

Released in 2022 as part of the 2022 movie premiere schedule, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, starring Nicolas Cage, follows a fictionalized version of himself as he travels across the world to spend time with a megafan after he is paid millions of dollars, but this trip turns into something a whole lot more chaotic. 

While the main stars of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent are Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal (as they should be, since they were so funny and ridiculous), Neil Patrick Harris had some pretty unforgettable moments that reminded me of his time in the Harold and Kumar films (which we’ll get into in a bit). He was sarcastic, overly-sexual, and just pure chaotic energy and I loved every second he was on the screen. 

Rent/Buy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on YouTube.

Starship Troopers (1997) 

Next up on the list, we have Starship Troopers, a military sci-fi film that was released in 1997. In this movie, we mainly follow Johnny Rico, a young man in the Mobile Infantry in a time that is much different than ours, as they fight in a war that is truly out of this world against giant green bugs known as Arachnids. No, not those arachnids  -- literal aliens. 

This film is a ridiculous ride from beginning to end and is quite funny in some ways, and at the time, it had some pretty badass visual effects (for a 1997 film, so it’s not like it’s a CGI-fest). Neil Patrick Harris, as part of the cast, played Carl Jenkins, who was a psychic and used his powers for the military, and he was a fun addition to this colorful cast of characters that made this action film so ridiculously crazy and yet so much fun. 

Rent/Buy Starship Troopers on Amazon.

His Glee Appearance (2010)

While Neil Patrick Harris didn’t make numerous appearances in Glee like many other guest stars, his one time on the show was so memorable that, years later, I still sing his version of “Dream On.”

For those who don’t know, Glee was a popular musical-comedy that followed the Glee club at a high school in Ohio, and how the students, as well as the leader of the group, try their hardest in order to build themselves up from zeros to heroes and somehow become popular and win Nationals. 

In the Season 1 episode, “Dream On,” Harris played the character Bryan Ryan, a rival of Will Schuster’s (Matthew Morrison) back in the day. These two battle it out throughout the episode, ultimately culminating in one of the best song covers on the show, “Dream On,” where Harris really got the chance to show off his singing talents on television. This dude is talented as heck, and he won an Emmy Award for his guest role in the show, so you know it’s good. 

Stream his Glee appearance on Disney+.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)

Created by Joss Whedon, this is a pick that you should watch if you like Neil Patrick Harris' singing talent. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog stars Harris as Dr. Horrible, a supervillain with his own personal video blog, who is trying to join the Evil League of Evil, but through every attempt, no matter how hilarious, he is foiled by Captain Hammer each time. 

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog got a great audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showing just how popular it was with fans. And who wouldn't want to see Neil Patrick Harris as an eccentric villain once again? He just does it so well. That, paired with his natural musical talent, makes this a great pick. 

Buy Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Amazon.

The Harold And Kumar Movies (2004-2011)

In this fun film trilogy, we follow the titular characters, Harold and Kumar, on ridiculous adventures together. In Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, the duo gets high and decides to go to the fast-food restaurant together but run into much trouble along the way. In the sequel, Harold and Kumar Escape Guantanamo Bay, they do exactly that -- try to get out of the island when they are trapped. And in the third film, A Very Harold and Kumar 3-D Christmas, we get to see them on a holiday adventure. 

Probably one of the first times I ever saw Neil Patrick Harris was in the Harold & Kumar movies. I know, what a way to get introduced to him as an actor, but it made its impression on me and I love him in these movies because he plays the complete opposite of who he is in real life. As a womanizing, disgusting pervert, somehow, someway, his character always gets himself tangled up in Harold and Kumar’s adventures and it’s just ridiculous. There’s nothing quite like a fictionalized version of himself. 

Rent/Buy Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle on Amazon.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)

Next up on this list, we have A Series of Unfortunate Events. This three-season Netflix series follows the Baudelaire children after they lose their parents and are taken under the care of Count Olaf as they are moved between foster homes, while he just wants them for their incredible fortune. As time passes, they learn more about who their parents truly were. 

I was so upset that this series only lasted for three seasons. I wanted this show to go on for so much longer because Neil Patrick Harris was honestly amazing as Count Olaf. He was dramatic, funny, and just the right amount of evil where you really believed his performance, and truly, if he ever returned to the role, I would be down to watch him again. He definitely holds a candle to Jim Carry’s version as well. I think he might even be better. 

Stream A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix.

8-Bit Christmas (2021)

Moving on, we now have a fun Christmas film that I know you’ll enjoy. Released on HBO Max, we take a look at 8-Bit Christmas, a movie that tells the story of a man who is recollecting on the time of his childhood when he was obsessed with video games, and how this led to a crazy Christmas season in the late 1980s. 

This movie is just pure nostalgia fun, for someone like me who grew up playing games and especially for the whole family that was around when video games were just starting to gain traction in modern-day culture. It’s heartwarming in the best way, and it’s partly because of Neil Patrick Harris’ electric performance as the lead character, Jake Doyle, and his chemistry with his on-screen daughter, Sophia Reid-Gantzert. They’re great, but the story as a whole is so cute. 

Stream 8-Bit Christmas on HBO Max.

Uncoupled (2022-)

Last but not least, we have the latest addition to Neil Patrick Harris’ line-up of TV shows, Uncoupled. This series, from Sex and the City creator, Darren Star, follows a man who was suddenly broken up with by his long-term partner after seventeen years, and now has to navigate the dating world in his forties, which includes the ever popular idea of online dating. 

If you like Darren Star and his other shows, such as Sex and the City or Emily in Paris, then you’ll enjoy Uncoupled, but really, it’s Harris that steals the show. He was the perfect choice for the main role as Michael Lawson, because truly, he is just out of this world funny. And honestly, seeing him return back to his comedy show roots is always fun after watching him on How I Met Your Mother for years. 

Stream Uncoupled on Netflix.

No matter what you pick from this list, I’m sure you’re going to find something that you truly enjoy and will love to watch over and over again. For me, I’m just going to go and re-watch all of How I Met Your Mother again. 

For the talk show hosts who get to interview celebrities on a daily basis about their latest projects, some of the best parts of the job must be finding out the little Easter eggs or behind-the-scenes factoids you don’t get from just watching the movie. It’s even more fun if the host is a fan of a movie, and Kelly Clarkson was fully living that life when she talked to Nicolas Cage on her talk show about his newer flick The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The host had the most adorable reaction to finding out the iconic actor added a specific scene to the movie.

The scene in question -- and minor spoilers are coming in the next few paragraphs -- featured Nicolas Cage (playing himself) making out with a younger version of himself (Nicky Cage, naturally). During an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host started laughing about how narcissistic that scene was, when the actor interjected that the scene in question wasn’t in the script. The revelation caused Kelly Clarkson to totally freak out, throwing herself back in her chair as she showered him with compliments. Check out the conversation below about how Nic Cage came up with one of the funniest moments from The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (and her reaction to the news):

Kelly Clarkson’s reaction was as entertaining as Nicolas Cage’s reveal itself. Sometimes when a talk show host fully interrupts a celebrity during an interview, it can be super annoying. (There are entire videos dedicated to Jimmy Fallon interrupting.)  Clarkson is different, though, and there’s no way Cage had an issue with her enthusiasm, as she just could not keep herself from yelling, “I love you! I love you!” and then filling in the rest of the audience on what happened when older Cage met his younger self.

The actor said Nicky Cage was “so arrogant, so irreverent, so obnoxious,” and when he came face-to-face (so to speak) with this “awful” version of himself, he thought up the idea that got added into the script. He told Clarkson:

The choice seems to have been a good one, but it certainly wasn’t just the make-out scene that the former Voice coach commended. She dissolved into giggles over multiple parts of the movie, and praised other members of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast, including Pedro Pascal and Tiffany Haddish. 

Kelly Clarkson was certainly a fan of the movie, but you probably want to experience Nic Cage’s performance for yourself. It’s unknown when it will be available for streaming, but The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is available to rent or buy on platforms including Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime. Before you watch it though, the director suggests watching these three Cage movies first. If you’ve seen the film and loved it, here are five more meta movies you might be interested in. 

Also be sure to check out our 2022 movie release schedule to see what movies are coming to the big screen soon so you can start planning your next trip to the theater!

The Bad Guys kept its spot at No. 1 at the box office in its second weekend, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 maintained a firm grip on second place after four weeks. While family films continued to see success from April 29-May 1, it was a relatively slow weekend, with little movement in the domestic box office rankings ahead of next week’s release of the Marvel Studios blockbuster Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Martin Campbell's Memory starring Liam Neeson was the lone new release to crack its way into the Top 10.

Let’s take a look at the full Top 10, plus some analysis of how it all shook out below:

The Bad Guys And Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Make Impressive Weekend Showings

Parents accompanying their children to the theaters this weekend meant good news for Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures. The Bad Guys, which stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina and Anthony Ramos as the titular protagonists, made an impressive $16.1 million in its second weekend, dropping just 33% from its opening week, according to The Numbers. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 2, meanwhile, had a better-than-expected fourth weekend. Not only did the video game movie sequel maintain a firm grasp on the No. 2 spot on the weekend domestic chart, but its $323 million worldwide gross earnings officially put it ahead of the first installment, which earned $304.9 million internationally. 

These two movies may prove to have a long life at the box office, as there are no other G or PG-rated movies on the horizon. Both Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (out May 6) and Jurassic World: Dominion (June 10) are rated PG-13, and there are rumblings that Lightyear (June 17) could be Pixar's first PG-13-rated movie. 

Word-of-mouth advertising is almost certainly playing a hand in the family-friendly movies' success, as The Bad Guys has a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 garnering 96% positive reactions from the audience.

Fantastic Beasts 3 Continues To Fall, As The Northman And The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent Score Average Week 2 Numbers

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore continues its disappointing but, not unexpected, decline. While it held firm in the No. 3 spot and topped $300 million internationally, per Forbes, it dropped another 41% week over week, garnering only $8.3 million for Warner Bros. for a domestic total of $79.6 million after three weeks. It appears the film is going to struggle to reach $100 million domestically, which is really bad news, as Fantastic Beasts 3 had a $200 million budget to clear. Its predecessor, The Crimes of Grindelwald, in comparison, made $651.3 million worldwide back in 2018.

The Northman stayed at No. 4 in its sophomore week, pulling in another $6.3 million this weekend for a $22.8 million 10-day domestic gross. Nicholas Cage's critically acclaimed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent dropped a spot to No. 6 but added $3.9 million to its opening weekend sum for a two-weekend domestic total of $13.5 million. The movies' earnings fell 49% and 45%, respectively, which is what you generally expect to see in a Week 2 drop. 

Memory On Par With Liam Neeson's Previous Open Road Releases

The lone movie mixing up the charts this week was Martin Campbell's Memory, which debuted at No. 8 in the domestic rankings. While that might be a little lower than Open Road Films hoped for, its $3.1 million is on par with the studio's other Liam Neeson-led movies, 2020's Honest Thief ($4.1 million) and last year's The Marksman ($3.1 million). 

Critics were largely unimpressed with Memory, but this might be a case in which audience opinion could result in more earnings in the weeks to come. While 68 critics on Rotten Tomatoes have rated the film 31%, the audience reaction is much higher at 80% (with more than 100 ratings). Word-of-mouth advertising could cause an uptick in moviegoers who were put off by the critical reception — that is unless every single film patron next week is spending their money elsewhere...

Get Ready For Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

We already know how next week's box office is going to go down, and it's going to be all about the MCU. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to kick off the summer movie season Friday, May 6, and it's already setting box office records. During the first 24 hours of Multiverse of Madness ticket presales, Fandango sold more tickets for the upcoming Marvel movie than any other 2022 movie so far and the most since Spider-Man: No Way Home tickets went on sale back on November 29, 2021.

The Sam Raimi-directed blockbuster is expected bring in around $200 million on opening weekend, four months after Sony Pictures' No Way Home scored the second biggest domestic opening of all-time with $260.1 million. The first Strange movie, released in 2016, brought in $85 million domestically in its opening weekend.

Come back next week to see just how big of an opening Benedict Cumberbatch's MCU blockbuster will have, as well as how the family-friendly films continue to fare. You've still got some time to do your homework, so be sure to check out the movies and shows to watch ahead of the Doctor Strange sequel. You can also check out what else is coming to theaters this summer on our 2022 Movie Release Schedule.

You ever wonder what a movie starring Nicolas Cage about Nicolas Cage would be like? Yeah, that’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. And I love it. 

Nicolas Cage has made some fantastic movies, but his latest flick, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, where he plays a fictional version of himself, is one of the funniest films not only of 2022, but one of the most hilarious ones that I’ve seen in years. From the moment he stepped onto the screen, I was laughing my ass off. 

So today, in honor of his new film, I’m going to go over some of the funniest moments, from start to finish. 

The Best Movie Of All Time? Paddington 2

When I first heard that Pedro Pascal, of all people, was going to star alongside Nicolas Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, I was so excited, as Pascal has been in some amazing films. What I never imagined was the chemistry he and Cage would have, and this was one of my favorite scenes with the two. 

Pedro Pascal’s character, Javi, asks Nic’s character what his favorite films are, and Nic asks the same question of Javi. He answers that his number one film of all time is Paddington 2, and when Nic doesn’t believe him, Javi has him watch the film with him. It then cuts to the two of them sobbing at the ending, agreeing that Paddington 2 is the best film ever.  

It’s just such a funny moment because you never would expect Paddington 2, of all things, to end up being the best film that an adult has ever seen. Who would have thought a film about a bear would be so lovable? 

That Whole LSD Trip

I mean, you can’t help but laugh during this. When Javi and Nic decide to write the script for a movie together, Javi says to Nic that they should take LSD, which is known to be a drug that causes many different kinds of hallucinations and other instances of mania. And, that’s exactly what happens here. 

When the two men take the drug, they end up going on a crazy trip that involves them running away from “suspicious” characters, taking crazy car rides, and many other moments that will make you laugh out loud several times. 

When Javi Forces Nic To Act - And Then Jump Off A Cliff

The beginning of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is about Nic’s character losing his passion for acting after several failed movies and audition attempts, so when he goes to Javi’s home before his official farewell to acting, Javi basically forces him to act out an improvised story. 

At first, Nic is adamantly against it, but at Javi’s persistent requests, Nic eats up this story, acting his butt off with Javi in a scene about them needing to get away from killers, before they jump off a cliff as the sun sets over the water. The sudden shift in character from Nic hating acting to embracing it was so funny and had me laughing with joy. 

Seeing Nicky Cage As Nic Cage’s Internal Thoughts

There are so many Nic Cage movies out there, and a couple that you should watch before seeing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, but one character that isn’t even from a Nic Cage movie makes several stops in the film, in the form of Nicky Cage, a parodied version of Nic Cage based on his '90s persona, according to Indie Wire.

This character came from the actor's appearance on the talk show, Wogan, when he was promoting his film, Wild at Heart. Cage walked onto stage and did a somersault, threw money at the audience, and eventually took off his shirt. So, seeing this version of Nicolas Cage as his internal thoughts, personified, throughout this film was so freaking funny. Plus, the fact that he’s so vulgar and loud just makes him even funnier.  

The Assignment With The Camera Room In Javi’s Home

When Tiffany Haddish, known for her iconic comedic roles in movies and TV, was announced as part of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast, I knew this film was going to be even funnier than it already was, because I love her, and including her in this scene with Nicolas Cage via an earpiece was just *chef’s kiss* perfect. 

At this point in the film, the CIA has caught on that Nic is staying with Javi and the two agents assigned to the case to investigate into him, Vivian and Martin, convince Nic to act as an informant to help them out. Nic is told through an earpiece during a party how to hack into the cameras of the security system so the CIA can look deeper into Javi’s secretive life, and this whole scene is just a mess in the best way possible. 

From the moment Nic accidentally touches his face with his poisoned hand, to him passing out, and then to Vivian literally yelling “Action!” into the earpiece to wake him up, it’s just so funny and had me dying with laughter. 

The Interrogation Scene With The Fruit Loops

I don’t know what it was in this scene of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, but it had me chuckling for a good amount of it. In it, Lucas confronts Javi over his relationship with Nic, and how he knows that Nic knows about his involvement in the kidnapping of the politician’s daughter...while Lucas is simply eating a bowl of Fruit Loops. 

You know, the cereal. Just casually eating a fruity kids' cereal.

I don’t know why, but even writing about it now cracks me up. It’s literally Lucas just munching on some Fruit Loops while simultaneously threatening his cousin with having to kill Nic or be killed, and I find that as the funniest moment ever. It’s the delivery that makes it so good. 

When Javi And Nic Confess Their Platonic Love For Each Other

It’s hard not to love Nicolas Cage after all that he’s done, and that’s exactly what Javi confesses to Nic near the end of the movie. 

In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, both Nic and Javi are after each other - Nic because he thinks Javi is the bad guy, and Javi because his cousin is threatening him - but neither wants to kill the other after the time they’ve spent together. Soon, it comes down to a standoff where they’re both pointing guns at each other. 

However, in this moment, they both lament about how much they don’t want to kill the other, going as far as to say “I love you!” and “I love you, too!” Again, it’s not even the lines that are said - it’s the delivery that both Cage and Pascal give us that makes this so freaking funny, because moments later, they are shot at and need to team up to take down Lucas’ associates. The bromance is back in full force - and that platonic love admission was absolutely hilarious. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has certainly proven to be the ultimate adventure into the meta-world of Nic Cage, and I, for one, will not be forgetting it anytime soon. With great reviews and a fun story, this is certainly the funniest movie of 2022 so far - and everyone should see it as soon as possible. 

This might be hard for all of the hardcore Game of Thrones fans to believe, but it’s been eight years since Pedro Pascal delighted viewers everywhere with his smooth, assured, and lusty portrayal of Prince Oberyn Martell on Season 4 of the HBO hit. In the years since, Pascal has certainly not seen any grass grow under his feet, as he’s now also very well known (and loved) for playing the titular lead in The Madalorian for Disney+, and is working on the highly anticipated, The Last of Us TV show. But, he recently spoke about an amazing GOT “reunion” he had as part of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast, while filming the movie with Nicolas Cage.

What Game Of Thrones Reunion Did Pedro Pascal Have While Filming His New Movie?

Pedro Pascal stepped into the sexy robes of renowned fighter Oberyn Martell (a.k.a. The Viper) at the height of Game of Thrones’ popularity. There were already a number of characters on the canvas that fans loved (and loved to hate), and he still managed to make a strong enough impression in his one season on the fantasy drama that nearly everyone who watched as The Mountain crushed his face into mush gasped in horror at the greatness of the loss. And, while Pascal worked with a number of other amazing actors on GOT, his work on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (which he described in three perfect words) offered an unexpected connection to the show that made him famous. As he told GQ:

Ahhh, yes. Pascal found himself very near the actual location where they filmed the big, final fight with The Mountain and The Viper, which would see his character’s self-assuredness get the better of him as he overestimated what appeared to be a surefire win, and which led to possibly the most memorable non-finale death in all of Game of Thrones. The Viper is dead; long live The Viper. The Mountain is also dead; long live the un-dead Mountain…

Pascal continued, and opened up about what this “reunion” meant to him, saying:

It seems pretty clear that Pascal had some deep feelings about being able to finally return to the scene of his epic Game of Thrones fight. While he’d been working pretty steadily in TV since the late 1990s by that point, his role as Prince Oberyn really kicked things up a significant notch for him, so it makes a lot of sense that he would see that location as special and “where it all began” for him.

You can watch some of the best Pedro Pascal movies and TV shows right now, with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent currently in theaters, revisit his time on Game of Thrones on HBO Max, or head to Disney+ for a binge of his work as Din Djarin while we wait for more info on The Mandalorian Season 3.  

David Yates' Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore did not get off to a great start at the box office. As reported last Sunday, the blockbuster set an opening weekend low for the Wizarding World franchise, and the news generated a whole lot of concern about the future of the Fantastic Beasts series. Now, things are looking even starker for the movie, as Pierre Perifel's animated The Bad Guys arrived in theaters and not only blew the movie out of the #1 slot, but pushed it down to third place.

Check out the full Top 10 below, and join me after for analysis!

The Bad Guys Continues To Show The Power Of Family Films At The Box Office

When executed properly, major G/PG-rated animated movies always have tremendous potential at the box office. Whole families going to the local multiplex for a new release obviously generates extra revenue – as we saw just a couple weeks ago with the arrival of Jeff Fowler's Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which opened to the tune of $72.1 million in its first three days. 

The Bad Guys is actually the first wholly animated feature from a major studio to arrive in theaters in 2022, with Domee Shi's Turning Red controversially becoming Disney+ exclusive, but based on its opening weekend results, the viability of the material is still very strong. According to The Numbers, the new movie has made $24 million since Friday, which is the eighth biggest debut of the year thus far (behind Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett's Scream, and in front of Jeff Tremaine's Jackass Forever). 

It's the strongest start that a DreamWorks Animation feature has had since 2019 and the release of Dean DeBlois's How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and more than the last releases made in their opening weekends combined. (Tom McGrath's The Boss Baby: Family Business, which was given a streaming/theatrical hybrid release in July 2021, only made $16 million in its first three days, and Elaine Bogan's Spirit Untamed brought in only $6.1 million when it debuted a month prior.)

The Bad Guys, featuring a voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Anthony Ramos, Craig Robinson, and Awkwafina, earned solid buzz when domestic reviews landed at the end of last week, and it appears that audiences are enjoying it as well. According to CinemaScore, survey-takers ended up giving the animated feature an "A" grade – which could result in the film showing off some impressive legs in the weeks to come

The good news domestically for the film comes after it has already had some success abroad. The Bad Guys actually had its international debut in theaters a while ago, as it was released in some foreign markets back in mid-March. To date it has made $63.1 million overseas, meaning its global total as of right now stands at $87.1 million. According to Deadline, the movie cost a reported $69 million to make (before publicity and marketing expenses), so it is well on its way to being profitable.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore Takes A Tumble From The Top, Takes Third Place Behind Sonic The Hedgehog 2

While there are likely cheers that can be heard out of Universal Pictures following the release of The Bad Guys, the sound coming from Warner Bros. is teeth grinding and collars being pulled. As noted, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore did not get off to the hot start that the studio was hoping for when it hit theaters last week, and the news has only gotten more grim one week later.

When compared to the $43 million that the fantasy blockbuster made last Friday-to-Sunday, the $14 million it made this weekend represents a terrible 67 percent drop. That's not quite as bad as the tumble performed by Daniel Espinosa's Morbius earlier in April, which fell 74 percent in its sophomore weekend, but that comparison is not exactly going to earn any cheers from Harry Potter die-hards. 

Globally, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore has made $280 million, which may sound great, but you have to factor in that this is a feature that cost a conservative $200 million to make. The sequel's predecessor, David Yates' Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, made $651.3 million by the time it was done playing theatrically back in 2018, and it doesn't appear that the follow-up is going to make anywhere near that total.

What's bad news for Fantastic Beasts is good news for Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Because of the steep drop by the Wizarding World feature, the video game movie was able to hold on to second place for the second week – making $15.2 million in its third weekend. To date, it has made $216.8 million, and it is now on pace to outgross the first Sonic The Hedgehog, which made $304.9 million before it was done playing on the big screen around the world in early 2020. 

The Northman And The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent Put Up Strong But Not Spectacular Opening Weekend Numbers

Clearly family-friendly content dominated at the box office this weekend, but not to be dismissed is the new R-rated content that arrived this weekend, including Robert Eggers' The Northman and Tom Gormican's The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent. The Viking revenge epic starring Alexander Skarsgård began its theatrical run this weekend and made $12 million, which was good enough for fourth place, and the critically-acclaimed new Nicolas Cage movie landed in fifth place after having made $7.2 million.

Surely the idea behind the launch of both films was to serve as counter-programming for kid-friendly movies that have been arriving in the last few weeks, but neither did either surprisingly well or disappointingly bad. The Northman and The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent had production budgets of about $70 million and $30 million respectively, so both still have long roads to travel before being called profitable – but cinephiles who are rooting for the movie can hold fast to hope that all of the positive buzz around both will allow them to stick around in the bottom half of the Top 10 in the weeks to come.

Slow growth certainly isn't impossible: just look at what Daniels' Everything Everywhere All At Once has done in the last month since its debut in limited release. The multiverse action/drama/comedy has made $28.3 million to date, making it the fourth biggest movie that has been distributed by A24.

We'll continue to track the performance of both films next weekend as they, along with everything else currently playing, faces off against new releases including Martin Campbell's Memory starring Liam Neeson. Head back here to CinemaBlend next Sunday to see how the Top 10 gets shaken up, and plan your next trip to the theater with our 2022 Movie Release Calendar.

There have been plenty of great meta movies released over the years, with everything from Being John Malkovich to Last Action Hero and even Adaptation coming to mind. Well, now we can add another title to that list with the long-awaited release of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, the new action comedy from Tom Gormican that features Nicolas Cage playing himself, or at least a fictionalized and over-the-top version of himself.

If you have either seen it, or plan on seeing one of the craziest 2022 movies, you may be wondering exactly where you’ve seen the members of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast before and why they look so familiar. Well, look no further, because we’re about to break it all down now, starting with the man himself: Nicolas Cage.

Nicolas Cage (Nick Cage)

No shocker here, but Nicolas Cage shows up in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Nick Cage, a comedic take on himself who appears to be up there with any of the wild characters the Academy Award winner has played in the past. He even shows up as an imaginary character named Nicky Cage, as seen in the film’s red band trailer on YouTube.

Depending on when you started watching movies, you either remember Cage from films like Wild at Heart and Moonstruck, or The Rock and Con Air, or The Wicker Man and Drive Angry. This is just to say that Cage has been in just about and every type of movie there is, which has resulted in the actor appearing in more than 100 movies throughout his career, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to slow down any time soon.

Pedro Pascal (Javi Gutierrez)

Pedro Pascal shows up in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Javi Gutierrez, a mysterious billionaire who pays Nick Cage a whopping $1 million to attend his birthday party, but looks can be deceiving.

Although he is one of the actors who has played two different characters in the Law & Order franchise, Pascal is probably best known for his portrayal of Din Djarin, a.k.a. “Mando” on The Mandalorian and later in The Book of Boba Fett. He also appeared on shows where his face is shown, like Game of Thrones, The Good Wife, and Narcos. His film work includes everything from Wonder Woman 1984 to We Can Be Heroes, and Kingsman: The Golden Circle to If Beale Street Could Talk.

Neil Patrick Harris (Richard Fink)

Neil Patrick Harris joins The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast as Richard Fink, Nick Cage’s agent who convinces him to take the birthday party gig at Javi Gutierrez’s massive estate.

Harris, who got his big break as the titular character on the medical series Doogie Howser, M.D., has gone on to have a successful career in show business, with series like How I Met Your Mother, Glee, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and several others. His film career has been just as notable with Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Gone Girl, 8-Bit Christmas, and The Matrix Resurrections, to name only a few. 

Tiffany Haddish (Vivian)

Taking on the role of Vivian, a CIA agent who tries to convince Nick Cage to provide information on Javi Gutierrez in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, is Tiffany Haddish.

For the better part of the past decade it has been almost impossible to escape Tiffany Haddish, as the comedian-turned-actress has appeared in everything from Keanu to Girls Trip and Like a Boss to Bad Trip, and everything in between. And, that’s even before you factor in shows like The Carmichael Show, The Last O.G., and Tuca & Bertie. Haddish is set to star in the upcoming Haunted Mansion reboot.

Ike Barinholtz (Martin)

Ike Barinholtz shows up in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Martin, another CIA operative hoping to use Nick Cage as an inside source for an ongoing investigation into Javi Gutierrez’s dealings.

Best known for his portrayal of Morgan Tookers on The Mindy Project, Barinholtz has also had notable roles on shows like Eastbound & Down, Bless the Harts, Madtv, and The Afterparty, which also featured co-star Tiffany Haddish. His film work includes The Disaster Artist, Neighbors, and Blockers.

Alessandra Mastronardi (Gabriela)

Taking on the role of Gabriela in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is Alessandra Mastronardi.

Throughout her career, Mastronardi has appeared in movies like To Rome with Love, The Fifth Wheel, and Lost in Florence, as well as shows like Titanic: Blood and Steel, Medici, and Master of None, where she played Dev’s (Aziz Ansari) love interest Francesca in the Netflix show’s second season.

Jacob Scipio (Carlos)

Jacob Scipio shows up in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Carlos, one of Javi’s trusted henchmen.

If Scipio looks familiar it is probably because of his portrayal of Armando Aretas in Bad Boys for Life, a character who provided for quite the revelation in the 2020 buddy cop movie. His other film roles include The Outpost, Without Remorse, and Last Looks. He will soon appear in two of the most anticipated action movies in recent memory — Batgirl and The Expendables 4.

Lily Sheen (Addy)

Taking on the role of Addy, Nick Cage’s daughter in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, is Lily Sheen, the daughter of Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen.

Over the years, Sheen has appeared in movies like Everybody’s Fine, Click, and Underworld: Evolution, in which she played a younger version of her mother’s character, Selene.

Sharon Horgan (Olivia)

Sharon Horgan shows up in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Olivia, Nick Cage’s ex-wife.

To some, Horgan will be most recognizable for her portrayal of Sharon Morris on the romantic comedy series, Catastrophe, which she also wrote and created alongside co-star Rob Delaney. Her other TV credits include Pulling, Women on the Verge, and Disenchantment, to name a few. Her film credits include Game Night, How to Build a Girl, Dating Amber, and Death of a Superhero.

Paco León (Lucas Gutierrez)

Paco León takes on the role of Lucas Gutierrez, one of Javi’s closest allies who doesn’t trust Nick Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. 

Throughout his career, León has appeared in mostly Spanish films like Queens, Kiki, Love to Love, and 7 Años, as well as a list of TV shows that includes Blowing Kisses, The House of Flowers, and Arde Madrid, to name only a few.

This is just a portion of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent cast as there is no point in ruining some of those big surprises for those who have yet to watch the movie. If you want even more of the man of the hour, check out some of Nicolas Cage’s best (and worst) movies. 

Nicholas Cage plays Nick Cage in one of our most anticipated movies of the year, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (also starring Pedro Pascal). Filmmakers Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten joined us to discuss the journey of getting Cage on board, working with him to create a fictional version of himself that felt real, the creative ways they solved the production's many hurdles, and more. 

Stick around through the interview as we also give our reactions to Thor: Love and Thunder’s first trailer. We also give our reviews for Robert Eggers’ The Northman and Massive Talent. Be sure to check out our interview with Eggers which dropped wherever you get your podcasts earlier this week. 

Timestamps (approx. only)

00:04:45 - Tom Gormican & Kevin Etten Interview
00:39:29 - Thor: Love and Thunder Trailer Reaction
00:50:20 - The Bad Guys Review / Darth Vader?
00:59:55 - The Northman Review
01:11:39 - The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Review 
01:19:52 - Our Favorite Ethan Hawke Movie
01:30:00 - Outro

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There has been a lot of chatter, and rightfully so, about Nicolas Cage going fairly Method for his latest movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent… a comedy that requires the Oscar winner to play Nic Cage. Well, an exaggerated version of Nic Cage, made up of the cliches pop culture has attached to the colorful character actor. But Cage also fought to bring personal elements from his actual life to the collaboration, and it’s in there that we find a very sweet plotline involving the on-screen Nic Cage and his fictional daughter, played by newcomer Lily Sheen.

In the Hollywood satire, Nicolas Cage (Cage) agrees to attend the birthday party of a wealthy fan (played by The Mandalorian standout Pedro Pascal) for the paycheck of $1 million. Cage would prefer to stay in Los Angeles and repair the tumultuous relationship he shares with his daughter. As it turns out, she hates old movies her eccentric father tries to “educate” her on… something that Lily Sheen in real life says that she adores. When talking to CinemaBlend about her time on set with Cage, the young actress explained:

Yet another example of life imitating art in the case of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Because similar to the way that Lily Sheen’s on-screen father is played by a Hollywood celebrity, her off-screen father (and the one turning her on to the best that cinema has to offer) is The Queen and Frost/Nixon star Michael Sheen. Lily says that she has her dad to thank for igniting her passion for classic cinema, which allowed her to engage on a deeper level with her co-star, Nicolas Cage. This also speaks to part of the reason why Nic Cage thinks “film enthusiasts” invest in his career path. They can feel that love of cinema in the choices that he makes. 

The run up to the release of Massive Talent has been unusual. The movie had its official release at the SXSW film festival, where a super fan hung posters around the city asking Nicolas Cage to call him. After a few days, Cage actually did. Then Cage spent the rest of the press tour diving into his career, telling media the 8 Nic Cage movies he actually loves – no surprise, they are recent films he feels went underappreciated. And we went so far as to pick three Cage films you need to watch before grabbing a ticket to The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Cage may not go see this movie, but you are able to starting Friday, April 22.

Public perception of actors is a bizarre and multifaceted thing. Our image of them is regularly colored by the fictional roles that they take, and we often admire them based on the charisma and energy they emit on screen. Simultaneously, we also love to mock the stereotypical seriousness of performers who inflate the job of playing pretend as some kind of holy and fragile art form that pops like a soufflé when an on-set PA calls them by their real name instead of their character’s. We love them for their charm, skill, and courage, and we laugh them for their vanity, egos, and questionable career choices.

Nicolas Cage is a case study unto himself in this field, having experienced extreme levels of this duality for decades. He’s an Academy Award winner, taking home the Best Actor trophy for his phenomenal turn in Mike Figgis' Leaving Las Vegas, and earned raves for his work in movies like Martin Scorsese’s Bringing Out The Dead, Joel and Ethan Coen's Raising Arizona, and Spike Jonze’s Adaptation. He’s an experienced blockbuster superstar, with hits like Michael Bay’s The Rock, Simon West’s Con Air, and Jon Turteltaub's National Treasure. But he’s also the target of unrelenting mockery for films like Neil LaBute’s The Wicker Man, Mark Steven Johnson’s Ghost Rider, and at least a dozen titles that nobody has ever heard of.

Cage’s career is so all over the map that it has gotten hard to define him as an actor – but Tom Gormican’s The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent is like drops of iodine in murky water. It’s a work of perfect self-awareness for the star – inspiring one of his most entertaining performances while having him fictionally confront some of his greatest successes and mistakes – and while it’s undercut by a plot that is both overly familiar and too predictable, it’s a cinematic experience you never stop smiling through.

Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Nicolas Cage is at a point of desperation at the start of The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, needing work and putting all of his hopes on being a part of a new Boston-set crime thriller directed by David Gordon Green. His obsession with himself and performing has driven away the people he loves – including his ex-wife, Olivia (Sharon Horgan) and 16-year-old daughter, Addy (Lily Sheen) – and his younger self is regularly lingering around in his mind always trying to push him back to superstardom.

Unfortunately, his world is rocked further when he learns that David Gordon Green has decided to go in a different direction, and Cage makes a decision: he is going to retire. Before he announces this move to the world, however, he agrees to one last paycheck offer from his agent (Neil Patrick Harris)… though it isn’t an acting gig. A wealthy man living in Mallorca, Spain named Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal) has offered him $1 million to make an appearance at his birthday party, and while Cage resents the proposal, he needs the money.

It’s only upon Nicolas Cage’s arrival in Europe that he actually learns about who Javi Gutierrez is – and none of it is good news. Briefly abducted by a pair of CIA agents (Tiffany Haddish, Ike Barinholtz), Cage is told that Javi is a notorious international arms dealer who has kidnapped the daughter of a politician (Katrin Vankova) in order to influence a Spanish election. The Face/Off star is convinced to operate undercover in the operation to take him down, though he finds himself torn, as the more time that he spends with his benefactor, the more he comes to like him.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent's story is fun, but we've also seen it before.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent hangs a lot of its fun on the fantastic novelty that is Nicolas Cage playing Nicolas Cage, and it works in a meta narrative to match, as the principal way that Nic and Javi bond is over a screenplay they develop together. The issue with the latter is that there ultimately isn’t much to it, and it’s reminiscent that executed similar plotting equally as well or better. It was only a few years ago that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg made the controversial The Interview – a movie also featuring a celebrity who gets embroiled in a government operation – and while Tom Gormican’s movie makes moves to shake up one-to-one comparisons, they are mostly obvious choices that audiences will see coming from the start.

As a critic who has a personal affinity for movies within movies, I was mostly let down by the film’s approach, which treats a natural idea like an afterthought. As The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent sprinkles in winking references to its own structure and twists, I couldn’t help but internally compare it to the excellence of Barry Sonnenfeld’s Get Shorty and Martin McDonagh’s Seven Psychopaths and come away underwhelmed.

Nicolas Cage is equal parts self-deprecating and hilarious – particularly in brilliant dual role moments.

The story told is adequate, which is good enough, because this movie is really just The Nicolas Cage Show, and not only is the actor truly wonderful in the part, but the movie’s expressed deep passion for his body of work only ever feels earnest and never fawning or sycophantic. Cage puts all of his eccentricities out on the table for the film to play with, and every stare, stutter, and syllable-elongation is a delight. In this respect, it’s actually Cage’s imagined younger self (called Nicky) that is The Unbearable Weight’s greatest invention. Nicky is what everyone mentally conjures when they think about Nic Cage, and he is utilized perfectly – hilarious in every appearance, and sparingly used as to keep it fresh.

It’s in all ways an admirable performance from the star, not just because of its elements of honest parody (poking fun at not only his bad movies but past financial issues), but also just because of well-rounded it is. It may seem funny to praise an actor for playing themselves, but Nicolas Cage demonstrates both impressive comedic timing and adept physical humor in the turn (he and a brilliant Pedro Pascal make for a terrific duo) and sincere drama when he confronts his personal issues and the damage he has done in his relationships with Olivia and Addy. Less than a year after the release of Michael Sarnoski's Pig, Cage continues to do some of the best work of his career.

Its shortcomings aside, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent is principally a charming film in that it has strong positivity and passion constantly flowing out of it. It takes its pot shots, but there isn’t a single ounce of it that ever feels mean, and for such a Hollywood-centric story, it’s surprisingly cynicism-free in its spirit. Between the love of movies, themes about prioritizing the people you love, and love of Nicolas Cage, the film is full of heart, and one of the more wholesome movies you’ll see featuring kidnappings, shootouts, and an LSD trip.

Can you imagine Nicolas Cage waking up from a training download, whispering “I know kung fu,” then entering a feud with Laurence Fishburne? Because that might have happened if Cage accepted a role in The Matrix that we can only assume was Neo. Cage admitted to passing on The Matrix, as well as The Lord of the Rings, while making the publicity rounds on behalf of his upcoming comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. In that film, Cage plays an exaggerated version of his classic Hollywood persona, agreeing to play himself at a birthday party of a super-fan for $1 million. But when talking with People about his past offers, and why he turned them down, Cage explains:

I love Hollywood “What If?” stories. Tom Cruise almost played Iron Man instead of Robert Downey Jr. in an earlier version of the production, or Sylvester Stallone almost considering Beverly Hills Cop as a starring role – which eventually went to Eddie Murphy, and fit him like a glove! In both of those cases, the roles ended up in the right hands… and I think you have to say the same about The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings. 

Back in 1998, when The Matrix was filming, Nicolas Cage was coming off of the massive hits The Rock, Con/Air and Face Off. They are the Nic Cage movies that most inspire The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, so you can see why any studio and producer would want to offer the red-hot Cage a role in a tentpole. But Cage, at that time, didn’t possess the Zen-like calm that is necessary to be The One. He was channeling a raw, nervous energy into his action roles, and his tendency to chew scenery might have disrupted the flow The Wachowski siblings brought to the first Matrix movie.  

That’s not to say Nic Cage hasn’t found that Zen mentality in later films. In fact, recent quiet work in movies like Pig had Nicolas Cage in the awards conversation, showing the actor’s ability to seamlessly shift gears at this stage in his career. He’s even able to poke fun at himself in the referential Unbearable Weight, playing opposite a smitten Pedro Pascal. The Mandalorian star has the perfect three-word review of his new movie with Nic Cage. If you need more words, our review will be on the site before the end of the week. In the meantime, keep track of every upcoming 2022 movie release, so you know exactly what’s opening in theaters near you. 

Nicolas Cage has had a whirlwind of a career. Whether he's terrifying fans by playing a sociopath who switches faces with his enemy in Face/Off or making them fall in love with him by finding his stolen pig in Pig, the man does not shy away from taking on a wide range of roles. While he has made hits that have given him Oscar attention like in Raising Arizona and Adaptation, he has also made and spoken of making bad movies in recent years, some which have even gotten the video-on-demand treatment. Even if the critics or fans have “marginalized” Nicolas Cage’s career, he still shares love for at least eight of his recent movies.

In Nicolas Cage’s new movie, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, he plays a fictionalized version of himself -- an actor loaded with debt and a dream of wanting to work with Quentin Tarantino. At 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Massive Talent is already gaining attention with glowing reviews. But, Nicolas Cage has not always had the best luck with his recent projects, taking on a lot of video-on-demand films that have been critically panned and obscured in the shadows. Collider spoke with Nicolas Cage about this "marginalized" portion of his career while talking to him about his critically-acclaimed new movie, with Cage noting,

To note, movies like Pig and Mandy were critical successes for Nicolas Cage and gave him the opportunity to bring captivating performances to audiences. The other films the Academy Award winner mentioned like Color of Space, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, and Joe also found audiences, giving Cage a mix of genres to explore and a range of different characters to play. 

The Trust and The Runner, on the other hand, were not so successful in that they were released video-on-demand with mixed to negative reviews from critics. But despite the up and downs of these, Nicolas Cage couldn’t be more proud of the work he has done and given us in all eight of these movies, including his latest The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, which he also touched on in the interview.

There’s value in doing things that scare you in order to overcome any fear that you have. Nicolas Cage has had a number of hardships he has had to tackle like trying to remain debt-free like the character he plays and the recent passing of his mother. Cage has previously spoken of being terrified about playing himself on the big screen. Since this version is not exactly him, he has to play what director Tom Gormican thinks of him. It’s like playing a fan’s parody version of yourself. But, this movie looks to be the role of a lifetime for the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola. After all, he said as long as what you reach out toward does not harm you or anyone else, it is important to embrace your fear.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent will end up being a tribute to Nicolas Cage’s most outlandish performances. Expect to see over-the-top facial expressions and yelling as he recreates his classic characters from films like Con Air and Face/Off. This movie should be a dream for every Nicolas Cage fanatic out there. Here's hoping fans pour into theaters even if Nicolas Cage does not want to embrace the fear of watching himself. 

Be sure to cash in your ticket to see The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in theaters April 22nd. To better prepare yourself, here are three Nicolas Cage movies to see first.

To say that Nicolas Cage has had a great run in Hollywood would be an understatement. During the 1980s and 1990s, he starred in hits like Moonstruck, Raising Arizona and Leaving Las Vegas, which are among Cage's best movies. We’ve seen him do it all, making us laugh, cry, and scream with excitement while doing so. In the 2010s, though, Cage tackled a lot of video-on-demand films, partially because he needed the money. His 2021 drama, Pig, got major love from audiences and high praise from critics last year. However, even amid that success, Cage remains conscious of the movies that didn't quite make a splash. With this, he's made a spot-on comparison regarding his bad movies and rock albums.

In recent years, Nicolas Cage's video-on-demand films like Primal and Jiu Jitsu have released to varied reception. While you would think critically panned movies like these would result in regret on Cage's part, that isn't the case, as evidenced by an interview he did with IndieWire. If anything, he's found the perfect way to sum up his poorly received outings: 

This really is a good way to look at things. While a rock album can be weak as a whole, one can more than likely find at least one song that resonates with them. The same can totally be said when it comes to Nicolas Cage's more recent movies or many other panned productions at that. For example, Cage's 2019 action-thriller, Primal, may not be a strong movie for some, but there are a few scenes that are definitely entertaining. You have to love this kind of thinking from an actor who refuses to phone in roles for more work. 

Most would agree that Nicolas Cage has not let any lack of critical acclaim slow him down, though, and he's continued to excel. While he was snubbed by the Academy for his critically-acclaimed role in Pig, the film itself still garnered him a Critic’s Choice nomination for Best Actor. At present, he's playing an over-the-top version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and his scene-stealing performance is a major reason why the movie currently sits at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Overall, the star's career is sure to see its share of highs and lows moving forward but, with any of the latter, he'll surely continue to take those films in stride and dwell on the positive.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent hits theaters on April 22, so be sure to check it out! Also, make sure you're in the know when it comes to 2022's other upcoming movies.

In the upcoming buddy comedy satire The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Nicolas Cage plays a fictionalized (and exaggerated) version of the persona that pop culture has come to associate with Nic Cage. He’s super passionate. He’s kinda broke (in real life, Nic Cage is newly debt free). And he has a fanbase who is so obsessed with him and his work that one man (played by Pedro Pascal) is willing to pay Cage $1 million to come to his private birthday party… and maybe collaborate on a screenplay.

There is so much material that can be explored when analyzing Nicolas Cage’s body of work. We even singled out three Nic Cage movies you need to watch before heading out to see The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. So when given the chance to sit down with the actor, I instead wanted to ask about his relationship WITH these fans who have allowed him to maintain a steady career for the better part of four decades. And right off the bat, Cage changed the name for his fans, explaining to CinemaBlend:

No one can accuse Nicolas Cage of ever giving less than 100 percent when he is committing to a role. He’s correct in saying that he breaks every character down to their core and builds them up in the vision that he has constructed (with collaboration from his chosen filmmaker). This helps to make him the perfect Nicolas Cage in his new movie. It also means he’s wildly convincing as a reclusive chef seeking to retrieve his pig in the aptly titled Pig. 

This emotional bond with the film enthusiasts traces back to Nicolas Cage’s own appreciation for the art form of acting, and his admiration for legendary actors who have come before him. He continues:

This level of commitment to his roles, and the reactions felt by critics and fans, help explain why Nic Cage’s new The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is rocking a 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its opening. We’re likely not ever going to get a review on the movie from the man himself, as Nic Cage has valid reasons why he won’t watch Massive Talent. Maybe he’s still lamenting the fact that National Treasure 3 fell apart before they got the chance to make it. 

The box office currently is being dominated by Sonic and, to a lesser extent, Morbius. But there’s plenty of room for Cage to make some noise once The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent arrives on April 15, from Lionsgate. Use our up-to-date list to keep track of this opening, and all of the upcoming 2022 movies hitting theaters. 

Before Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, but after, er, the actual term “meta,” there were meta movies. The most recent and exciting meta movie is the new Nic Cage vehicle, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which has the longest buddy comedy f-bomb, if you haven’t seen it yet. Now, only time will tell if this will be one of the most Nicolas Cage movies ever, but I think it's safe to say that it's definitely destined to be one of the most meta movies ever, as it concerns Nic Cage playing himself, and his, well, "unbearable weight of massive talent."

But, as mentioned earlier, there have already been quite a few meta movies before this most recent film, and I, Rich Knight, the writer of this article, am going to pick my brain so that you, the reader, can watch them for yourself. Without further ado, I'm rolling out the red carpet from my mind palace, so that you can take a step inside my brain and learn about five other meta movies to watch before you see The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.         

Adaptation. (2002) 

Well, looky here. If it isn't our good friend, Nicolas Cage, right at the start. In this early 2000s dramedy, Nic Cage plays both the writer, Charlie Kaufman (who's made several amazing movies, by the way), as well as his (made up for the film) brother, Donald Kaufman, in this twisty meta movie. Charlie, who is a legit screenwriter, is struggling to adapt the nonfiction book, The Orchid Thief, which is also a legit book, into a movie. Meanwhile, his "brother" is writing his own screenplay that somehow mimics all the tropes that his brother, Charlie, warns him against. It's…unique, to say the very least.    

Spike Jonze (who you'll see on this list again in a second) directed this oddball film that also stars Meryl Streep, who plays The Orchid Thief's writer, Susan Orlean, as well as Chris Cooper, who plays the actual orchid thief that the book is named after. This movie is just one huge spiral down a drain of lunacy, and it has one of the most bonkers third acts I've ever seen in my entire life. That alone definitely lands it on this list, but it also delves deep into the idea of what it even means to be a creator in the first place.  

Stream Adaptation. on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Adaptation. on Apple TV.
Rent/buy Adaptation. on Amazon.  

Being John Malkovich (1999) 

Spike Jonze made another meta movie before Adaptation., called Being John Malkovich, which was also written by Charlie Kaufman. In this comedy, John Cusack plays a puppeteer who one day finds a portal into John Malkovich's head, and he schemes a way to make a profit off of it with his co-worker, played by Catherine Keener. Like Adaptation., it’s a strange one.  

Being John Malkovich, which has an interesting ending that might have to be explained to be understood, is probably the most meta movie on this entire list. Malkovich is actually in the film, but he's playing an exaggerated version of himself, so it's hard to really tell where the character ends, and the actor begins. Thematically, these characters are literally getting inside his headspace. I mean, is this really what it's like to be inside Malkovich's head? What does John Malkovich even think about Being John Malkovich? I really want to know!   

Rent/buy Being John Malkovich on Apple TV. 
Rent/buy Being John Malkovich on Amazon. 

Last Action Hero (1993) 

Definitely the most underrated Arnold Schwarzenegger movie ever, this action comedy by Die Hard director, John McTiernan, is about a kid named Danny (played by Austin O’Brien), who gets a special ticket that allows him to go into the screen and go on adventures with his favorite action hero, Jack Slater (Schwarzenegger). Together, they have to stop a playfully over-the-top villain (Charles Dance) who enters into the real world. It’s really fun!   

Last Action Hero is super meta since it plays with all the tropes that Schwarzenegger relied on back in his heyday. And a lot of the time, you wonder if the movie is laughing with Arnold, or at him. Thankfully, Schwarzenegger is very much in on the joke, so the film feels like both a homage and also a send-up to the popular movies in the early ‘90s. Definitely check this one out if you’re a fan of Arnold’s most popular period in pop culture.  

Stream Last Action Hero on Netflix.
Rent/buy Last Action Hero on AppleTV. 
Rent/buy Last Action Hero on Amazon.

Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) 

Controversial opinion, but I think Wes Craven’s New Nightmare is the best A Nightmare on Elm Street movie. Directed by Wes Craven and also starring Wes Craven, Heather Langenkamp, and Robert Englund as themselves (actually, Robert Englund plays himself AND Freddy Krueger), this meta movie is about the making of a movie that actually becomes a reality. Langenkamp must become Nancy again from the first film in order to stop Freddy Krueger (known as the Entity) from taking her son.  

A lot of people like to argue that New Nightmare was just a warmup for Scream, but I think New Nightmare is a lot more interesting (And more meta!) than Scream for actually tapping into the brain of its director’s imagination. If you dig horror, then you owe yourself a watch of this meta masterpiece. 

Stream Wes Craven’s New Nightmare on HBO Max.
Rent/buy Wes Craven’s New Nightmare on Apple TV.   
Buy Wes Craven’s New Nightmare on Amazon.  

My Name Is Bruce (2007) 

And lastly, I’m a teensy bit reluctant to showcase this last one since some people might find it racist, but I think the closest movie to the upcoming The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, is probably My Name Is Bruce, which stars Bruce Campbell, as himself, being kidnapped by a teenage fan of his to destroy an ancient Chinese god named Guan Di. Bruce Campbell’s past movies are brought up relentlessly in this film, and there are several callbacks to The Evil Dead movies.   

But, it’s the evil Chinese god part that people might be offended by. I think I get what Bruce Campbell, who directed the film, was going for, as I’m almost positive he was trying to satirize racist depictions of Asians, but I don’t know if he accomplished what he was aiming for. So, just keep that in mind if you plan to watch this film, since all the meta stuff around Guan Di is pretty good. It’s just the Guan Di aspect itself I’m not really into. 

Buy My Name Is Bruce on Amazon.   

In the end, meta movies are usually pretty fun since you feel like you’re “in” on some kind of joke. For more information on other mind bending flicks, make sure to stop by here often!  

It is rare to see film critics universally agree on anything. Certainly both critics and audience tend to agree if a movie is generally good or generally bad, but there are always outliers. There are always those for whom a movie most people love doesn’t work, or those who find something truly wonderful in a project most people forget about. But when it comes to the new Nicolas Cage movie, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, critics are truly in agreement. Every single review of the movie is positive, giving the film a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, at least so far. 

As of this writing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has 24 reviews posted to Rotten Tomatoes, and all of them are of the “Fresh” variety. That’s not to say that every review is stellar; the movie has an average score of 7.5 out of ten, which is solid and nothing to sneeze at. But it certainly indicates that the movie is good, albeit not perfect. Although whatever flaws the movie might have are not enough to stop critics from recommending it.

There will be a lot more reviews to come, Nicolas Cage’s new movie, in which he plays a fictionalized version of Nic Cage, is still two weeks away from release, and so it seems more than likely that this movie won’t be able to keep its 100% score forever, there will likely be somebody who doesn’t care for it at some point. Even movies like Paddington 2 weren’t able to keep their perfect score forever. Only Toy Story 2 has been able to retain a 100% score among major theatrical theatrical releases. 

Still, the strong positive reviews out of the gate are good news for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. A movie that stars Nicolas Cage, playing a version of Nicolas Cage that isn’t that far from many of the characters he’s played on screen, is the sort of meta humor that could have very easily become too self indulgent and fallen flat, but it seems that critics don’t think so. They largely agree with co-start Pedro Pascal who dropped an f-bomb in describing the film’s humor. 

At the end of the day critics’ opinions are just opinions and are no guarantee that everybody else will feel the same way about a movie. There have been plenty of movies that critics thought were bad that audiences clearly loved based on box office results. At the same time, when critics do love a movie, audiences tend to also love it, so The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent may be in for a solid box office response, which will be great considering that many films are still struggling in that regard. A lot of Nic Cage fans are going to want to check this one out, even if Nic Cage himself won’t be watching it. The movie arrives in theaters April 22.  

Pedro Pascal has been on quite the film and TV roll over the last several years, from antagonizing Gal Gadot’s Diana of Themyscira as Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman 1984, to traveling around the Star Wars universe as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Next up, we’ll be seeing Pascal in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which sees him acting opposite Nicolas Cage, who’s playing… well, Nicolas Cage! This movie is about a month away from playing in theaters, and Pascal has three perfect words to describe it.

While attending SXSW earlier this month, where The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent premiered, Pedro Pascal stopped by IMDB’s Burnin Questions to talk about the movie. When asked to sum up this feature in three words, the actor responded:

Well that cuts to the chase nicely, doesn’t it? Even if you’re not a diehard Nicolas Cage fan, Pedro Pascal at least promises that The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent will be worth checking out if you’re in the market for a comedy. It was among the many topics that Pascal discussed while hanging out with the IMDB folks, but describing the movie as “really fucking funny” is arguably the biggest selling point from the conversation. For those who need a little extra incentive, watch the latest trailer for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent below.

Pedro Pascal stars in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Javi, a wealthy Nicolas Cage superfan who offers the actor $1 million to attend his birthday party. The invitation couldn’t come at a better time, as this fictional version of Cage has fallen on hard times and desperately needs the money. As seen in the trailer, Cage and Javi hit it off, but then the former learns that not only is the latter a notorious drug lord, but has roped the actor’s ex-wife and daughter into this craziness. This version of Nicolas Cage (who the real deal had to be convinced to play) will need to work with the CIA and embody some of his most famous characters to bring Javi down.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent also stars Tiffany Haddish, Ike Barinholtz, Neil Patrick Harris, Sharon Horgan, Lily Sheen and Jacob Scipio, among others. Director Tom Gormican, who also co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten, recommends that people watch Adaptation, Raising Arizona and Face/Off before seeing this latest Nicolas Cage flick. While we’re still a few weeks away from a lot critics reviewing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, the critical reception that came out of SXSW has been overwhelmingly positive, with the movie ranking at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based off 21 reviews.

You can watch The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in theaters starting April 22. Look through the selection of 2022 movie releases to figure out what other cinematic entertainment catches your eye for later in the year. Nicolas Cage fans can look forward to the actor starring in The Old Way, Butcher’s Crossing and Renfield (the latter of which sees him playing Dracula), and in addition to his continued run on The Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal is playing Joel Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us series.

It is being described as “the role Nicolas Cage was born to play.” Because, though exaggerated for comedic effect, Nic Cage plays the famous A-list actor Nic Cage in the upcoming comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a meta trip through the filmography of the Face/Off star that recently had its world premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. In the movie, Cage (playing himself) is hired by an eccentric fan (Pedro Pascal) and paid $1 million to fly to a private birthday party in Mallorca and… well, be Nic Cage. It’s every bit as trippy and self-referential as you might imagine. 

Following the world premiere of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, we sat down with the film’s director and writer, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten, to discuss all things Nicolas Cage. These guys, after all, seem to understand Cage as much as – if not more than – the actor himself. Maybe not as much as the superfan who stalked Cage in Austin. That's a different story. But for fun, I asked the guys what Nic Cage movies they want audiences to catch up on before heading into Unbearable Weight, and Gormican told me: 

The beautiful thing about Nicolas Cage’s filmography is that the actor is anything but typecast. Sure, he may enjoy a run in a string of action movies like Con Air, The Rock and National Treasure, but those are so different from the films of his earliest stages, and he’s also keen on flexing his muscles as a character actor nowadays in films that get him awards buzz (like the drama Pig). And he has no plans to ever retire. To that end, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent co-writer Kevin Etten added his three Nic Picks, and they are:

So now you have your homework. Even if you have seen one of those six suggested films, pop it back on before heading out to see Unbearable Weight. They’ll refresh your memory so you will get a number of the inside jokes that Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican worked into their screenplay. Because as they told me, talking to Nic Cage about Nic Cage movies was a challenge, even though Cage is very self-aware of his status as Hollywood royalty. When I asked Gormican how comfortable Cage is talking about himself and his classic films, the director explained:

That love of film shines through in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a buddy comedy characterized by the measurable chemistry shared by Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal that also takes audiences deep into the inner circle of the unique persona that is Nic Cage. It’s a wild, wild ride that you can begin taking when Lionsgate opens the movie on April 22. It’s one of many upcoming 2022 movie releases that need to be on your radar as the year rolls along. 

If you didn’t already think Nicolas Cage was one of the most stand-up guys in Hollywood, get ready to re-evaluate that opinion because Cage, arguably one of Hollywood’s most eclectic actors, just made one of his super fans’ dreams come true. After the star’s self-proclaimed biggest fan hung a poster with his phone number on it for Cage at South by Southwest Music and Film Interactive (SXSW), the fan actually received a phone call from exactly who he had hoped for. The fan didn’t keep the phone call just to himself, though, and we all get to enjoy it, because there’s a sweet video of their chat. 

Nicolas Cage is famous for just being himself at this point, and his upcoming movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is evidence of that. In it, he stars as himself and recreates his classic films in what may be the biggest case of metacinema I’ve ever heard of. The film screened at SXSW on Saturday, and one of the actor's super fans, named Robert Schnetz, put up posters asking the star to give him a call. With this, he claimed Cage’s biggest fan. You can check out the poster below:

Okay, so I’m getting some serious The Amanda Show vibes from this poster and claim of being a “Number One Fan,” but that’s totally not a bad thing. In fact, I really dig this and, apparently, the actor himself loved the effort as well. 

He loved the posters so much that he actually did give Robert Schnetz a call, and the fan took a video of himself on the phone with his Hollywood idol and posted it to Twitter. You can check out the video below, in which you can hear Nic Cage sharing some kind words with the longtime aficionado:

Honestly, my heart is so full after seeing this celebrity/fan interaction. The joy on the super fan’s face and in his voice is undeniable. It really goes to show that when celebrities make even a small amount of effort, like a phone call, it can really make someone's day.

In the comments of the post, fellow fans are also saying how amazing the interaction is. One commenter says he saw the posters at SXSW and knew they would result in a call from the Ghost Rider star, which just goes to show that the star is just as well known for his kindness as he is for his eccentricities. 

Robert Schnetz has apparently seen a ton of Nicolas Cage's films and says he is looking forward to his future work. He and other fans are in for a great few years from the star, as he has a number pretty epic roles coming up. In one of them, he'll be channeling his inner “goth” as Dracula. 

While he never really stopped making movies, Nicolas Cage seems to be getting (at least) a second wind in Hollywood, and he’s putting out things that a lot of people, not just his most devoted supporters, are pumped about. For instance, his 2021 drama Pig has gotten rave reviews, and you can check it out ahead of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’s April theatrical release by streaming it with a Hulu subscription. And to keep up with what he has coming, stick to our schedule of upcoming movies.

After a number of years away from being in the front of high-profile movies in favor of voice roles and independent films, Nicholas Cage is headed back to the big screen in a big way next month to play himself. The actor will embody an exaggerated version of the legend that is Nic Cage for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. As it turns out, it was not an easy sell. 

The movie follows a fictionalized version of Nic Cage who is strapped for cash and on the verge of quitting the business. But when he gets invited to a superfan’s birthday for $1 million, played by The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal, he jumps at the opportunity. Cage recently shared what got him on board for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: 

Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten wrote the script for The Unbearable Weight and sent the actor a letter about the concept and why they wanted to pay homage to the actor with the movie rather than make fun of him. As Cage told The Hollywood Reporter, when he read the script he could see the real “interest” in his career. The actor continued: 

Wait, what? Nicolas Cage shared that one cool moment in the script that hooked him was actually cut from the film. It sounds really artsy, especially for big fans of the actor, but according to Cage, Lionsgate thought the scene was “too far out” for moviegoers. Hopefully we can look forward to the vignette sequence in the bonus features. Check out the trailer for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: 

Previously, Nicolas Cage shared that he wouldn't be watching the movie starring himself about him, but he’s since admitted that he’s seen it twice since he is a producer on the project. He also has said that the idea of being in the movie was “absolutely terrifying” to him, which actually became a reason he decided to do it to challenge himself. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is set to premiere at SXSW on Friday, March 12, ahead of the movie heading to theaters on April 22. You can check out what other upcoming 2022 movies are headed our way here on CinemaBlend. 

Nicholas Cage has been having a really fun run through the past couple years of films he’s made. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is his next zany adventure on the ever growing roster of upcoming Nic Cage movies, with the actor playing a highly fictionalized version of himself. Which means it’s time for a lot of those classic Cage antics to come out and play, in longer and louder form. As a result, there’s tons of insane action, some spy work, and quite possibly the longest F-Bomb in buddy comedy history.

That last claim might need some verification, as this is coming from the latest trailer for director/co-writer Tom Gormican’s action-comedy. Provided to the world by Lionsgate, or “Lionscage” as they’re temporarily renamed in the trailer, we get more of that budding $1 million friendship between Nick Cage (note the in-universe spelling difference) and his new friend Javi (Pedro Pascal). There’s just one problem…Javi is apparently a very dangerous dude. Strangely enough, that's not where or why the F-Bomb kicks in.

We don’t really know how or why Javi is “one of the most ruthless men on the face of this planet,” but this information is coming from two Central Intelligence agents (Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barenholtz). While it’s easy to want to believe two people that black bagged you and threw you into a van are from the CIA, this could be a ruse. It only puts Nick Cage in a bind, because he really likes Javi; kind of like how a personal experience of Haddish's made working with the real Nic Cage a bit intimidating

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent looks to have the potential to be one hell of a ride, with the action and comedy elements woven so tightly. Anarchy is on the menu with this movie, and even the film’s previous trailer showed the crazy antics in store for both Cage and Pedro Pascal. That madness leads us to what could be the star attraction: the most prolonged F-bomb in buddy comedy history. 

Proudly proclaiming himself as “Nick Fucking Cage,” the swear in question seems to go on for about 11 seconds. Cutting action clips over the feat of fuckery, some might think that this is a clever edit up The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’s sleeve. However, looking back on Nic Cage’s hosting gig for Netflix’s History of Swear Words, which premiered on Netflix last January, it doesn’t seem so impossible. Take a look at Cage belting out the F-word for a solid 7 seconds, in full voice:

Is Nicholas Cage really trying to break a record for prolonged swearing? We'll have to wait and see as The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent burdens the world with its greatness, only in theaters, on April 22nd. Don’t let that be the extent of your movie theater adventures, as there’s plenty more where that came from in the world of upcoming movies. Just don't expect to see Nic Cage in a theater near you partaking in the film, as he's already given his reasons why he won't be watching.

Over the course of his career, Nicolas Cage has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. The Academy Award-winning star has turned in some great performances, whether it be for his comedic work as H.I. McDunnough in Raising Arizona or his wild turn as Castor Troy in his and John Travolta’s Face/Off. With such a diverse array of work, most would agree that Cage is a very accomplished actor. Though he might actually take issue with the term “actor,” if you were to refer to him as such. And he has an honest reason as to why he prefers not to be called one. 

Don’t misunderstand the 57-year-old performer, as he’s proud of what he does. However, he recently explained that he doesn’t like the word “actor” because he believes it comes with a certain connotation. He thinks the undertone associated with the word could make him come off as less than genuine in his craft: 

Nicolas Cage’s comments on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast  may come off as somewhat surprising but, upon further thought, they do make sense. The idea of “acting,” on the surface, does seem to imply some level of deceit on the part of the person who’s doing it. Though it’s far from certain, this could be the reason why some performers refer to themselves as artists instead. I have to say, I like the term thespian, and Cage’s summation of the word is perfect. Most can probably also agree that all of things certainly relate to the Con Air alum. 

With all of the work he’s put in over the past several decades, one would think that the star would be ready to hang things up. However, that’s far from the case as, earlier this year, he shot down the notion of retirement. He stated that cinema has been like a “guardian angel” for him and that he needs it. He even went on to say that he’s “healthier” when he’s working. Though it’s good to know that we can expect more from him in the years to come, it’s even better to hear that the work isn’t taxing on him mentally. 

And he’s still churning out a wide array of material. 2021, for example, saw the release of his B-movie horror Willy’s Wonderland, which allowed him to channel his love of reptiles. He also headlined the critically acclaimed Pig, which is currently earning him plenty of awards buzz. This year will see the release of his newest film, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, in which he plays a fictionalized version of himself. Based on the trailer, it’s sure to be a wild and NSFW adventure but, who knows, it could also deconstruct the public’s notion of what an “actor” really is. 

You can check out Nicolas Cage’s Pig by streaming it on Hulu, and you can check out The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent when it opens in theaters on April 22, 2022.

Not since John Malkovich played John Malkovich in a movie called Being John Malkovich have we had such a meta movie experience as what is in store for us in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The new film will see Nicolas Cage play Nicolas Cage in an action comedy and the first trailer for the film is here and it is everything. If you thought the idea of seeing the eccentric actor playing himself would be nuts, wait until you actually see this. 

The trailer introduces us to the movie's version of Nic Cage, who, while he might technically be a fictionalized version of the actor we know and love, has starred in all those great movies that we also know and love. He's offered $1 million to pal around with a super rich super fan, played by Pedro Pascal. And since he needs the money, he takes the gig. However, the CIA is also interested in this guy, so Cage is also an untrained operative, and as we see here, things get a little crazy, forcing the movie action hero to become a "real" action hero.

Everything about The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent looks epic and hilarious. We see a Nic Cage in this movie who is a guy who clearly needs money, something that we know is a not uncommon situation for the actual actor. While he's put together one of the most extensive filmographies in recent history, some of those choices have clearly been jobs he took because he needed the paycheck. 

What's more, he's probably also had situations where he's done things outside of making movies for the same reason. This new film is likely inspired by the real Nic Cage even more than we can see.

But that's the beauty of the whole concept. While the movie is fictional, it's close enough to reality that audiences are going to get entirely on board. Nicolas Cage is playing an amped up version of himself, but the amped up version is the one we most often see in his film roles, so we can easily buy that this is just the way he really  is.

And while there's a huge comedic element at play, what makes this trailer work is that everybody, including Nicolas Cage, is clearly taking the entire thing seriously. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has an impressive supporting cast including Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, Ike Barinholtz, and Neil Patrick Harris. Most of them are not playing themselves. 

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was, like so many movies, delayed by a year, so we've had to wait far too long to see what this wild movie will bring us. The movie is set to open on April 22, 2022. 

Nicolas Cage has played many different types of characters in his nearly-four decades of professional acting, but next year will see him playing quite possibly his most challenging role yet: himself. In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a fictional version of Cage begrudgingly accepts $1 million to attend the birthday party of a superfan, played by The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal. Now we finally have our first look at the two actors in the upcoming action comedy movie, and they seem to be having a great time together.

When you have millions of dollars to throw around, it stands to reason you can show your favorite actor a good time. That’s just what Pedro Pascal’s Javi will be doing in Lionsgate’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent when Nicolas Cage comes by for the festivities, as you’ll see below.

Yes, all the stops need to be pulled out for an actor as talented and famous as Nicolas Cage, which includes providing top-shelf liquor while enjoying good conversation.

The lineup of fun activities isn’t just limited to land either. At some point in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, they’ll also go for a quick dip (another one of the released photos shows them jumping into the water).

Now that’s not to say this neurotic depiction of Nicolas Cage and Javi will have together for the entirety of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Quite the opposite, in fact, given how Javi earns his money, but I’ll elaborate on that in a bit. For now, this next picture sees Cage laughing at something on his phone, yet Javi is unamused. What’s the deal?

Finally, the last of the first official photos from The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has Nicolas Cage all by himself, yet looking like he’s ready for action.

Now that we’ve looked at these photos to our heart’s content, let’s go over what how things will go off the rails in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Upon accepting Javi’s $1 million to stave off financial ruin, Nicolas Cage is recruited by a CIA operative, played by Tiffany Haddish, to help bring down the birthday boy, who is a powerful drug lord. In order to save himself and his loved ones, Cage will have to channel some of his iconic beloved on-screen characters.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’s cast also includes Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Jacob Scipio, Lily Sheen and Neil Patrick Harris, while behind the scenes, Tom Gormican directed and co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten. The movie is set to hit theaters on April 22, 2022. In the meantime, our 2022 release schedule is available for those of you curious about what other movies are on the way next year.

It seems like every year, Nicolas Cage drops at least two or three films. With his projects being released theatrically, on VOD or dropped direct-to-video, it's hard not to find Cage's face on some sort of screen. Given how he hops from project to project, the actor seems to love his work and craft and, like many people, the Willy’s Wonderland star isn’t above taking a break from his occupation. But at this phase in his career, one might suspect he’s leaning toward the r-word – retirement, yet that’s far from the truth for the Oscar winner, according to him.

While promoting his new film Prisoners of the Ghostland, Nicolas Cage admitted to needing some time off after he completes two more film projects. It's definitely understandable, given that an actor likely wouldn't want to get burned out. But a long-term (or even a permanent) vacation just doesn't sound like it's in the cards for the seasoned performer.

Nicolas Cage has been one of the hardest-working actors in Hollywood for decades. While the reception to his work has been somewhat mixed, Cage has created a varied body of work that allows him to remain one of the more unpredictable artists in the industry. So one can understand why he wouldn't be eager to hang it up. The Pig star was pretty clear about his views on retirement, telling Entertainment Weekly:

Nicolas Cage's extreme love for his craft really puts his film choices into perspective. And if working on films is what he believes helps to keep him healthy, then who am I to argue with a Hollywood legend? It's also interesting to think that the Oscar winner has worked so much over his decades-long career that he now stands alongside icons like Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney. Needless to say, his work ethic and passion for acting are legit.

One of Nicolas Cage's upcoming movies, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, sees the actor playing himself and, in a way, it will sort of serve as a culmination of his body of work. It should be a fitting tribute to a man who doesn't view retirement as a part of his future. While you wait to see that movie and more of Cage's upcoming projects, you can check out Prisoners of the Ghostland, which is currently playing in theaters and available video on demand.

After professionally acting for 40 years, Nicolas Cage has perhaps found his greatest and/or most challenging role: Nicolas Cage. The Raising Arizona and National Treasure star will play a fictional version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, but don’t expect this movie to go into Cage’s pile of movies starring himself that he’ll check out in their completed forms. In fact, the actor has already decided that he’ll never watch The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

While speaking about his latest movie, Prisoners of the Ghostland, with Collider, Nicolas Cage was asked about how he jumped from recent movies like Willy’s Wonderland and Pig (both of which are particularly weird entries in the Cage filmography) to playing himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Cage responded:

So if The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has a big world premiere, it sounds like we shouldn’t expect to see Nicolas Cage watching the movie after the red carpet festivities, assuming he shows up to the event at all. From Cage’s perspective, it’s too weird for him to watch play an exaggerated caricature who, while also named Nicolas Cage, simply doesn’t resemble his real-life self. This reminds me of that time Cage appeared on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update and called Andy Samberg’s impression of him “an exaggerated, screaming psychopath who really just doesn’t exist.”

His unwillingness to actually watch himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent aside, it sounds like Nicolas Cage had an enjoyable enough time making the movie under the direction of Tom Gormican, who previously helmed 2014’s That Awkward Moment. As for what we can expect from this fictional version of Cage, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent follows him at a point in his career where he’s struggling, to the point that he accepts $1 million to perform at the birthday party of one of his fans, who’s named Javi. But as it turns out, the super-rich Javi, played by The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal, also happens to be a powerful drug lord, and Cage is subsequently approached by U.S. federal agents to help them bring down Javi’s operation. The increasingly-crazy situation becomes even more personal for the actor when his wife and daughter are taken captive.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent opens in theaters on April 22, 2022, and its cast also includes Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Sharon Horgan, Lily Sheen, Jacob Scipio and Paco León. If you’re curious about what other movies are coming out next year, scan through our 2022 release schedule.

When we first heard about Tom Gormican's The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent back in November 2019, it immediately set fire to our imaginations. After all, it’s an action comedy that features Nicolas Cage playing himself, and what more from cinema can you really ask? We’ve been anticipating it ever since then, and while we still have a little while to wait for its arrival in theaters next year, today we got our very first look at it, and we now find ourselves more excited than ever.

Following a week of fascinating studio presentations at CinemaCon – the Las Vegas-based annual convention for theater owners – this afternoon marked Lionsgate’s turn to showcase their upcoming slate, and nothing during the 90-minute event got a better reaction than The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent. The movie was previewed with an extended red band reel that set up the plot and all the key characters, and based on what was shown it looks like it has a great chance of being a big screen highlight of 2022.

Based on an original screenplay by Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent begins with Nicolas Cage (Nicolas Cage) sincerely struggling in his acting career. His remaining skills as a performer are being questioned, he can’t land roles, and he is ready to throw in the towel and quit the profession. Still, however, he has bills to pay, and thus he can’t refuse when his agent (Neil Patrick Harris) tells him about a rich individual named Javi (Pedro Pascal) who wants to pay the Con Air star one million dollars to attend his upcoming birthday party.

Nicolas Cage gets on a boat to Majorca and arrives at a beautiful palatial estate, and while things get off on an awkward footing – with Cage, not knowing the identity of his benefactor, unknowingly asking Javi if oral sex is part of the reason behind his requested presence – the relationship eventually take a turn for the amicable.

As it turns out, Javi is the world’s number one Nicolas Cage fan, and has a whole display dedicated to the performer’s work – including a full scale Face/Off statue that Cage first calls a monstrosity before offering $20,000 to purchase it. The two men start a fast friendship… but then things take a turn for the worst.

Unbeknownst to Cage, Javi is actually Javier Gutierrez, who is under surveillance by U.S. federal agents, and has a reputation as being one of the most ruthless men on the planet. One of the feds (Tiffany Haddish), who is totally unaware of the actor’s work, attempts to get Cage to work with the investigation and try to put Javi away, putting him in an exceptionally dangerous position – especially because the villainous crime lord winds up finding out what his new friend is up to.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent has some vibes similar to Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s The Interview, but it also has its own energy, and what looks like Nicolas Cage having a ridiculous amount of fun poking fun at himself. It’s without question one of the most exciting titles I’ve seen previewed this year at CinemaCon.

It can’t be said for certain when the first trailer for The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent will be released online, but you should start getting excited for it now. The film will be exclusively in theaters on April 22, 2022, and for a look at everything that is set to be released next year, be sure to check out our 2022 Movie Release Calendar.

Whether he’s delivering an Oscar-worthy performance or another meme-able movie moment, Nicolas Cage always, always commits to the role he’s been cast to play. That’s what makes him one of the most unforgettable actors of the last few decades. It’s also why it makes perfect sense that he’d take on the daunting task of playing himself in an upcoming film. Though he admits the idea of playing Nic Cage is "terrifying," it sounds like he knew what he was getting into when he took on the role of a lifetime.

These days, Nic Cage is yet again reminding us why we’ll probably never stop talking about him. While he’s not always a critical darling, his new movie Pig -- about a man in search of his pig -- is getting rave reviews. And while the Joe Exotic biopic he was attached to seems to have been shelved, he’s got an even more ambitious performance in the works.

In Tom Gormican’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Nicolas Cage will be playing, well, Nicolas Cage. That kind of career move is more than enough to make turn heads, which is something he’s very used to doing. But it turns out that taking on a meta role is something that gave him a bit of pause at first. He told Variety:

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is an action-comedy and follows the actor as he struggles through a rough patch. He’s riddled with debt and desperate for a chance to work with Quentin Tarantino. So he takes a $1 million gig to appear at a billionaire drug lord’s birthday party, which turns out to not be the best career decision he’s ever made. Cage said that the version of himself that he’s playing on-screen helped him contextualize the role:

Keeping in mind that even though he is playing himself, he’s not playing himself, seems like a good way to approach this kind of a project, and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. Though Nicolas Cage is often remembered for his most bizarre roles, he’s also starred in some exceptional films over the years. Who knows, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent could end up being one of his best movies yet. The film is currently scheduled to release on April 22, 2022.

Sometimes, certain names in Hollywood invoke a sense of unpredictability. Tiffany Haddish and Nicolas Cage both fall into that category. So the stars acting together in a film may look strange, but it makes sense on paper. Cage and Haddish will appear in the satire The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. But things didn’t go so smoothly at first, according to the actress. This led to Haddish revealing the NSFW reason she was initially "intimidated" by the Oscar winner.

Given Nicolas Cage’s on and off-screen persona, it would be easy for anyone to be intimidated. But Tiffany Haddish has always appeared to be a formidable force in her own right. According to her, acting alongside the Oscar winner caused the usually energetic Haddish to no be on her A-game. The Girls Trip star said about the awkward moment:

Despite the public’s perception, Nicolas Cage does come off as a serious artist about his craft. Tiffany Haddish’s mental distraction may have appeared to be unprofessional to someone of Cage’s caliber. With the ongoing tension between her and Nicolas Cage, the Bad Trip star decided to reveal a very intimate story. Of course, Tiffany Haddish isn't afraid to reveal embarrassing moments. So she broke the tension by spilling her long-held secret to the Oscar winner. When discussing the story with NPR, she said:

Well, that's certainly one way to break the ice but, based on Tiffany Haddish's comments, it was necessary. The actress further admitted to NPR that Unbearable Weight forced her to tap into some serious acting. That added to the pressure of working with the Oscar winner, despite the fact that she'd been in films such as The Kitchen and Here Today. Haddish revealed that as part of her acting process, she needs to connect with her co-stars on a personal level, which led her to reveal her past experience in the movie theater.

Thankfully for her though, things seem to have worked out for the best. Tiffany Haddish recalled that after she dropped the revelation, Nicolas Cage laughed at her story and that it ultimately helped the two to carry on with filming. So who says a NSFW memory can't help one get over a mental block? Hopefully, this translates into better chemistry between Cage and Haddish in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which arrives in theaters on Apr. 22, 2022.

The last year was transformational for a lot of people and a lot of lifestyles in a lot of different ways. Some celebrities took the time to get in shape or finally lose weight, including Rebel Wilson and Tiffany Haddish, both of whom lost a significant amount after quarantine kicked off. Now, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and Girls Trip star is sharing the first look at what her 50 lb weight loss looks like in a bikini, along with how she got there.

Everyone should feel comfortable in swimwear as summer kicks off, but Tiffany Haddish is particularly excited about sharing her summer look after a 50 lb weight loss. The star, who recently said she was trying to get back to her “high school” weight, also took to Instagram this week to rock out a bikini.

I don’t know if Tiffany Haddish has hit her goal weight yet, but she looks great. The actress shared a few months back that she had done a 30 Day Transformation Team routine to start to jumpstart her journey. On the exercise front, she mentioned in an interview with Extra that she started with short bouts of cardio like beach running, but then amped things up considerably and she did it in a unique way: via VR.

It sounds kinda of fun right? Apparently, Tiffany Haddish is so into the app to the point where she says multiple times a day she gets in the mood to get back in it. She also says that her partner, actor and rapper Common, totally thinks this way of working out to keep her weight down is “hilarious.”

Tiffany Haddish also admits the app helps her to get her heart rate into the 170s and she doesn’t really seem to care that Common finds it amusing. Probably because the results have helped her to get to a point where she’s happy, healthy and chilling in swimwear with cutouts.

It’s worth noting that Haddish has also been super open about her weight loss journey, what she weighed when she started (around 182 lbs) and the journey she’s gone through to get in shape. The reason she’s been so candid? Tiffany Haddish previously explained that by being open about how she dropped the weight and how she’s feeling now that, “Maybe that inspires some other people to get their shit together.” It’s certainly inspiring me.

Next up you can catch Tiffany Haddish in a pair of movies, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and The Card Counter, both currently in post-production. We'll keep you updated as she adds more to her busy workload.

Movie fans will long remember 2020 as being almost totally without blockbusters, but should things go as hoped, 2021 will be completely different. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will have four new big screen adventures for fans, not to mention the exhilaration of big titles like F9, Dune, and Halloween Kills. It should be a great 12 months for major event films – but not to be ignored is the incredibly exciting roster of more under-the-radar titles like The Little Things, Bios, and King Richard featuring major stars like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Tom Hanks, and Will Smith.

You may not have read much about these indies and non-franchise titles, but you should consider this feature a launched beacon for each one of them. We can’t guarantee that they will all end up being good (How could we? We haven’t seen them), but there are multiple things about each one that has us anticipating them.

The Little Things (January 29)

The last time that Denzel Washington played a police officer operating in Los Angeles, it earned him an Academy Award – but that’s only a portion of the reason why John Lee Hancock’s The Little Things has our attention. It’s also a film that pairs him up with fellow Oscar winner Rami Malek on the hunt for a serial killer who may or may not be a character played by another member of that golden trophy club, Jared Leto. The debut trailer certainly paints it as having the potential for wicked thrills, and hopefully it satisfies. As one of the Warner Bros. films hitting theaters and HBO Max simultaneously, its release is guaranteed, and it’s coming up very soon, so be on the lookout.

French Exit (February 12)

Azazel Jacobs' French Exit made a splash when it premiered during last fall’s New York Film Festival, and the reaction to it has us intrigued. Based on the book of the same name by author Patrick Dewitt, it’s been described as a caustic comedy starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges as a Manhattan socialite and her adult son who move to a small apartment in Paris when their inheritance money begins to dry up. It looks like a great spotlight role for Pfeiffer, and the writing seems sharp and smart. We’re going to hope that the hype for this one proves to be genuine, and that it proves to be an odd little treat for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Nobody (February 19)

Bob Odenkirk has been bowling us over with his talent for decades at this point, from the eternally hilarious Mr. Show to his genius portrayal of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but now it looks like he’s ready to do it again – with something completely different. We weren’t aware that he had it in him to go full action star, but Ilya Naishuller’s Nobody has him working with a script from John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad, and it looks utterly badass. The actor has been cooking it up for a couple of years, signing on to both produce and star back in January 2018, and we have our fingers crossed that it will prove to be worth the wait. Everything we’ve seen suggests that it will be.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (Release Date Unknown)

Nicolas Cage has been known to make some odd career choices, and it’s fairly frequent that those choices turn out to be bad ones, but it’s really the wink-and-nod at that reality that has us excited for Tom Gormican’s The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent. Rather than playing another eccentric character with a crazy wig, the March release will feature Cage playing himself – forced to make a paid appearance at a billionaire’s birthday party because he’s strapped for cash. The fun twist is that said billionaire (played by Pedro Pascal) is a drug kingpin, and when things start getting violent and chaotic the actor leans into experiences from his past roles so that he can save his wife and daughter. All things considered, how could you not be excited after reading that plot description?

Update: While The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent was originally scheduled for release on March 19, it has now been pushed back and no longer has a specific date. Hopefully that status will change soon!

BIOS (April 16)

Thanks to Robert Zemeckis’ Castaway, there is a strong reputation for movies that find Tom Hanks all by himself with only nature and an inanimate friend to talk to, and that alone has us geared up and excited for Miguel Sapochnik’s BIOS. The upcoming film reformulates that approach by not being set in the present, but instead a post-apocalyptic future, and this time around Tom Hanks has a robot (played by Caleb Landry Jones) instead of a volleyball. The film was originally going to be one of three Hanks movies in 2020 – along with Greyhound and News Of The World – but the redistribution now means that we’re getting a pair in 2021, with this sci-fi adventure paired with the scheduled late fall release of Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley biopic.

Last Night In Soho (April 23)

Speaking of delayed 2020 releases, cinephiles were originally supposed to get their thirst for new Edgar Wright movies quenched last fall when his latest, Last Night In Soho, was originally scheduled to be released, but instead we’re hotly anticipating the film’s debut this spring. Not counting Wright’s fake trailer in Grindhouse, it marks the director’s first venture into the horror genre since Shaun of the Dead, though it looks like a lot more dread than laughs is on the menu this time. The period psychological thriller stars Anya Taylor-Joy (fresh off the Netflix hit The Queen’s Gambit) as an aspiring fashion designer in the 1960s who gets sucked into a nightmare after meeting her idol. Krysty Wilson-Cairns, who earned an Oscar nomination last year for co-writing 1917, penned the script with Wright, and we’re feverishly excited to see what they’ve come up with in their collaboration.

Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar (July 16)

It’s been nearly a decade since we last saw the end result of a film co-scripted by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, but considering that film was the hilarious 2011 hit Bridesmaids we’re thinking that their latest is something to be hotly anticipated. In addition to having penned the script, the duo also stars as the titular leads in Josh Greenbaum's Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, which follows them on a vacation from the Midwest to Florida and finds them caught up in an adventure fraught with danger. The supporting cast is stacked with talent including Jamie Dornan, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Damon Wayans Jr., and Vanessa Bayer, and makes us think it has the potential to be the funniest film of 2021.

The Green Knight (July 30)

Big screen fantasy epics have dried up quite a bit since the end of the Middle-earth and Chronicles of Narnia franchises ended/dried up, but that’s all the more reason why we’re excited for David Lowery’s The Green Knight to scratch our itch. The trailer released early last year makes it look absolutely gorgeous, and it has enticing source material, being based on the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It has a terrific ensemble lined up including Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, and Sean Harris, and between Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, A Ghost Story, and Pete’s Dragon David Lowery has consistently proven himself an exceptionally talented filmmaker.

Deep Water (August 13)

Books by Patricia Highsmith have a long history of being adapted for the big screen, the first and greatest being Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers On A Train in 1951, and we’re hoping that Adrian Lyne’s Deep Water can join an awesome legacy that also includes The Talented Mr. Ripley and Carol. The director has a history with sex-fueled thrillers, with a resume that includes Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, and Unfaithful, and this one very much seems in his wheelhouse – starring Ben Affleck as a husband who begins to become suspicious when the lovers of his philandering wife (played by Ana de Armas) – with whom he has an open relationship – begin to disappear. It’s a great high concept plot, and we can’t wait to see all of the twist and turns that shake out.

King Richard (November 19)

Will Smith has spent most of the last few years in blockbuster mode, making films like Bad Boys For Life, Gemini Man, Aladdin, and Suicide Squad, but Reinaldo Marcus Green’s King Richard seems like it could be the film that earns the star his first Academy Award nomination since 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness. The movie will feature the actor as Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, and recount the journey working with them as young girls to eventually help transform them into two of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and Dylan McDermott co-star, with Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton playing Venus and Serena, respectively.

You can expect us to write about all of these movies and many more here on CinemaBlend as we begin our trip into the mysterious waters of 2021, so be sure to stay tuned here on the site for all of the latest news, updates, trailers, and more!

Nicolas Cage has had a… shall we say, unique career in Hollywood. The man’s clearly talented, as demonstrated by his numerous accolades (including winning both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Leaving Las Vegas), but he’s also delivered a lot of weird, and in some cases downright bonkers performances over the years. Well, we’ll soon be getting what may be his weirdest performance ever, as Cage playing a fictional version of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

For those of you who are just hearing about The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent for the first time, the movie follows a version of Nicolas Cage who’s creatively unfulfilled, struggling financially and eager to work with Quentin Tarantino. This paves the way for Cage accepting $1 million to attend a super fan’s birthday party, but when danger rears its ugly head, he’s forced to embody some of his most iconic and beloved characters in order to save his wife and daughter. So who’s making up the cast of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent? That’s what we’re here to go over, and let’s start off by talking a little more about the main man himself.

Nicolas Cage

Most of Nicolas Cage’s credits in recent years might not be as high profile as his body of work from the 1990s and 2000s, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less interesting. From voicing Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to starring in off-the-wall live-action features like Mandy and Color Out of Space, Cage has not had any issues picking projects that effectively stretch those acting muscles. Needless to say it’ll be interesting to see how the fictional Cage differs from the real-life one, but more importantly, just imagine how crazy things will get when he starts embodying roles from years past.

Pedro Pascal

Many of you are currently seeing Pedro Pascal playing The Mandalorian’s eponymous protagonist on Disney+, with his other notable credits of late including Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Equalizer 2, Triple Frontier and the upcoming Wonder Woman 1984. For The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Pascal is playing Javi, the billionaire super-fan who hires Nicolas Cage to come to his birthday party and read his script. As it turns out though, Javi is also a drug lord, so Cage is recruited by the CIA to gather intelligence about this criminal, even as the actor’s family is put in danger.

Sharon Horgan

In real life, Nicolas Cage has been married four times, while in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Universe, he has at least one ex-wife. Sharon Horgan will play his former spouse who gets drawn into these crazy events, and while no specific details about her character have been revealed yet, one can reasonably assume this won’t be a fictional version of someone like Patricia Arquette or Lisa Marie Presley. Horgan is arguably best known for starring in the TV shows Pulling and Catastrophe, as well as creating HBO’s Divorce.

Lily Sheen

When things go south in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, not only will Nicolas Cage’s ex-wife be put in danger, but so will his daughter, played by Lily Sheen. The daughter of actors Michael Seen and Kate Beckinsale, Lily Sheen appeared in a few movies as a child, including Underworld: Evolution (as seen above), Click and Everybody’s Fine, but Unbearable Weight will mark her first cinematic appearance in over a decade.

Tiffany Haddish

Ever since she stole the show in 2017’s Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish has been keeping incredibly busy on both the film and TV fronts, with her recent body of work including Night School, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Like a Boss, Tuca & Bertie and The Last O.G. For The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Haddish is reportedly playing Vivian, described by THR as the “eccentric, rogue government agent” who forces Nicolas Cage to go undercover as part of an off-book operation to bring down one of the world’s largest criminal organizations for good.

Neil Patrick Harris

Nicolas Cage won’t be the only actor on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent who’s played a fictional version of themselves. Most of you likely know Harris best for playing Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother, or maybe you have fond memories of him from projects like Doogie Howser M.D., Starship Troopers and A Series of Unfortunate Events, but let’s not forget his run from the Harold and Kumar movies as an unhinged NPH. Harris has joined The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as Nicolas Cage’s talent agent; whether he’ll be directly drawn into the actor’s insane adventures remains to be seen.

Along with the above actors, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is being directed by Tom Gormican, who also co-wrote the script with producer Kevin Etten. Right now, Lionsgate intends to release the movie on March 19, 2021, but if that date changes, we here at CinemaBlend will let you know. Find out what other feature films are coming out next year by scanning through our 2021 release schedule.

As a hard-working actor who's only continuing to master the fine, ever-elusive art of Nouveau Shamanic, Nicolas Cage is one of our most consistently unpredictable and persistently enjoyable superstars — particularly as the Oscar winner is constantly allowing himself to make bold, audacious, and frequently bizarre acting choices which showcase his full-hearted willingness to go big and weird. Certainly, his upcoming slate of movies and shows showcases an actor eager to make some truly strange-but-nevertheless-intriguing art, including a number of promising horror films, some outlandish comedies, and even a TV biopic of Tiger King's Joe Exotic. But why would you ever expect Nic Cage to play it safe?

With 100-plus acting credits to his name, Nicolas Cage is an uncompromising screen presence, one who is always willing to make some extraordinary and truly out-there decisions. We can only hope that this tradition continues for the foreseeable future. For now, though, let's see what Cage is working on next.

Jiu Jitsu - November 20th, 2020 (Completed)

Nicolas Cage in a fantasy martial arts movie where he must defeat an alien and save the world from peril using a special brand of jiu jitsu? Say no more, I'm sold! Jiu Jitsu is the latest film starring Nicolas Cage, and it sounds absolutely bonkers. Thankfully, Cage has built a career filled with nonsensical movies, and we can only hope that he continues infusing his brand of nonsense into many more movies to follow.

If you weren't already interested in practicing Jiu Jitsu based on Cage's involvement alone, it's also worth noting that the movie co-stars Frank Grillo, Alain Moussi, and Tony Jaa, and it's based on a comic book of the same name by Jim McGrath and Dimitri Logothetis, who also directs. McGrath and Logothetis also adapted their own source material. I dunno about you, but I'm ready. It comes out November 20th.

The Croods: A New Age - November 25th, 2020 (Completed)

The Croods are back! Seven years after the release of 2013's DreamWorks Animation comedy, the titular prehistoric family returns with this fall's The Croods: A New Age.

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Grug, the patriarch of this B.C. family. This sequel follows the continuing adventures of The Croods through lands unknown as they meet another family named the Bettermans, who claim to be more evolved and, well, better. The sequel's release date has been in a state of flux for years. In fact, at one point, it wasn't even clear if we were getting a sequel at all. Previously slated for September 18th and December 23rd, 2020, there's no guarantee that Joel Crawford's feature directorial debut will make its way into theaters and/or VOD on November 25th, but the studio is sticking by that date for the time being, at least.

Prisoners of the Ghostland - Post-Production (TBA 2020/2021)

Telling the tale of a notorious criminal who must break an evil curse in order to rescue an abducted girl, Prisoners of the Ghostland is another genre-bending horror-thriller starring Nicolas Cage. Directed by veteran filmmaker Sion Sono (Why Don't You Play In Hell?), it's expected to be a delirious, style-heavy feature, which should play well with Cage's rambunctious acting theatrics. But that's me assuming.

We haven't seen any footage from the upcoming film, though we know that Sofia Boutella, Ed Skrein, and Nick Cassavetes round out the cast. It's currently in post-production, though its release date remains undetermined. It's possible that it might get a late 2020 release, either through a film festival or a digital release, but it's more likely that Prisoners of the Ghostland will be unveiled sometime in 2021. In any case, here's hoping it's another wacky Nic Cage movie!

Pig - Post-Production (TBA 2020/2021)

A story of loss and revenge centered around a man and his beloved pig may not be what you'd expect to see whenever you go to the movies, but if there's one actor who could sell it, it's Nicolas Cage. Pig, the feature directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski, follows a lonely mushroom forager (Cage) who discovers that his adored swine is missing and seeks justice. It also stars Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin, and Gretchen Corbett.

Production began and concluded a year ago in Portland, Oregon. It's unclear when Pig is set to be released, although it was picked up by Neon earlier this year. Given their track record of releasing unconventional movies to a wide audience, Pig is in good hands. While it's expected to come out sometime in the near future, it's more-likely-than-not that it'll arrive sometime next year. Maybe even early next year.

Willy’s Wonderland - Filming (TBA)

A quiet drifter takes the night-shift janitorial position at a once-successful amusement park, only to fend for his life when the animatronics come to life and threaten to kill him, in Willy's Wonderland, a new horror film starring Nicolas Cage. Once titled Wally's Wonderland, this upcoming title follows a string of recent horror films from the famous actor, notably including 2018's Mandy and this year's Color Out of Space. Will this be another winner from the notoriously inconsistent actor?

Certainly, the premise is amusing, and it's easy to see how Nic Cage will have lots of fun fighting off evil animatronics. The movie is almost entirely shot, though additional pick-up shots are reportedly needed. When those might happen is left uncertain amid the pandemic. In any case, maybe this ridiculously silly film (which is heavily reminiscent of Five Nights at Freddy's) will be released in time for Halloween next year.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - Filming (March 19th, 2021)

Soon, Nicolas Cage will play the character that he was born to play: Nicolas Cage. Indeed, in the role that's taken a lifetime to perfect, Nicolas Cage will embody "Nicolas Cage" in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a meta action/dark comedy centered around a cash-strapped actor who agrees to make a paid appearance at a billionaire drug kingpin/super fan's birthday party, only to serve as an informant for the CIA. Along the way, Cage is trying to secure a part in the new Quentin Tarantino movie.

Also starring Pedro Pascal and Tiffany Haddish, this tongue-on-cheek premise started as a screenwriting exercise for Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican (who'll also direct), but they decided to throw it in Nic Cage's direction and see if he'd actually agree to make it. When the actor said yes, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent resulted in a major studio bidding war, possibly proving that this upcoming Cage comedy could be one of the actor's biggest movies in years. As well it should be. It's apparently already filming, and I cannot wait to see it. It's currently slated for March 19th, 2021, but we'll see if that sticks. It should also be noted that Cage will serve as a producer in addition to lead actor on the project, and the movie will also reportedly feature more than one Cage (not unlike Adaptation).

If that doesn't hype you up, I dunno what you're doing here.

10 Double Zero - Pre-Production (TBA)

Whether it's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans, The Trust, or The Wicker Man, Nicolas Cage is no stranger to playing cops who cross the line in the line of duty. Sure enough, he's set to play another cop with his own sense of morals in the upcoming crime-thriller, 10 Double Zero. The movie follows a detective who goes on a personal vendetta to hunt down cop killers. Certainly, it sounds like the type of crime drama we'd expect from Nicolas Cage. But it's unclear when the new movie is expected to start shooting. 

Last year, it was reported that filming was delayed in Baton Rogue as an actor's schedule delayed the proceedings. It's unclear if the movie was able to start shooting. Productions nationwide have been shut down or pushed back. It wouldn't be surprised if this one was cancelled too.

Untitled Joe Exotic Project - Pre-Production (TBA)

Earlier this year, particularly as many people were stuck at home trying to figure out how to pass the time, Netflix viewers worldwide were engulfed in the life story of Joe Exotic, a former zoo operator, local politician, and convicted felon who became the central subject of the much-watched docu-series, Tiger King. This boisterous, larger-than-life personality was a dream role for many actors, and there was no doubt that many Hollywood personalities would soon be trying their hand to book the role of this truly wild persona.

But while everyone (including me) had their picks for who should play the criminal character, Nic Cage became the first to pick up the part in an untitled Amazon Prime limited series. Based on a Texas Monthly article by Leif Reigstad, this series was initially set-up for CBS before Amazon acquired it. More updates and developments should arrive in the months to follow.

Highfire - Announced (TBA)

Have you ever wanted to see Nicolas Cage play a dragon who loves vodka and Flashdance? Well, by golly, here's your chance — thanks to Amazon Prime.

Nic Cage is signed on to executive produce and lend his voice to the new series, Highfire, based on the book of the same name by Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl). As reported by Deadline, the story is described as "True Detective by way of Pete's Dragon," as it'll be a gritty, genre-bending crime-thriller with magical elements and a large dragon named Lord Highfire who lives the bayous of Louisiana, watches copious TV, and drinks obscene amounts of liquor. If you're like me, your interest has already been piqued. The new show will come courtesy of Davey Holmes, the creator and executive producer of Epix's Get Shorty. Details remain limited otherwise, but this is certainly an intriguing premise, and one that hopefully proves to be fiery fun.

National Treasure 3 - Announced (TBA)

Will we ever get National Treasure 3? The long-delayed sequel has seen many false starts and weathered many unfulfilled promises over the course of the past decade-plus, and it's hard not to feel doubtful. But it's reportedly not dead yet. Earlier this May, producer Jerry Bruckheimer insisted that the trilogy-capping sequel was still happening, and he claimed that the original cast was set to return. Furthermore, he noted that there will also be a Disney+ series with a younger cast. Whether or not that further delays or expedites the sequel remains undetermined.

Nevertheless, Jerry Bruckheimer said both National Treasure projects are "very active." Certainly, National Treasure 3 has seen a revolving door of screenwriters join the project and contribute to the fluctuating screenplay. Whether they're settled on a script or they're still in the writing process is uncertain. Nevertheless, National Treasure 3 isn't buried yet.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2? - Filming (October 7th, 2022)

Nowadays, Spider-Man never wanders too far from the silver screen, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to know that we'll be getting another Spider-Man movie in the near future. In addition to MCU's forthcoming Spider-Man 3, there's also Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2, a much-anticipated sequel to Sony Animation's Oscar-winning 2018 animated movie. With its release date currently set for October 7th, 2022, the production is already underway. Filming began earlier this year, and since it's an animation production, we shouldn't expect (or worry about) too many delays in its future.

Nevertheless, details remain vague. While we know that Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld are slated to reprise their roles as Miles Morales and Gwen Stacey, respectively, the rest of the cast isn't currently confirmed. Will Nicolas Cage's Spider-Man Noir return? We'll have to wait to find out.

Which special infusion of Nouveau Shamanic are you looking forward to the most? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below.

In the past few years, Pedro Pascal has become one of the most recognizable faces (and voices) in show business. With appearances on shows like Game of Thrones, Narcos, and most recently and notably The Mandalorian, as well as roles in movies like Triple Frontier, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and the upcoming Wonder Woman 84, the Chilean actor has been everywhere as of late. And going off what he has coming up, Pascal isn't slowing down anytime soon.

In the next couple of years, the masked bounty hunter on The Mandalorian will go from saying "This is the way," to showing up in the long-awaited follow-up to Robert Rodriguez's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, play a businessman in a spy thriller, and even play Nicolas Cage's millionaire number-one fan in a movie that certainly sounds like the craziest concept in recent memory. So, as we all look forward to Season 2 of The Mandalorian (which is only a few weeks away), let's take a look at Pedro Pascal's upcoming movie and television projects.

The Mandalorian Season 2 - October 30, 2020

It is almost time for The Mandalorian Season 2 to finally drop after what seems like an eternity since the first season concluded on Disney+ in late 2019. The space western will soon return, allowing fans to join Din "Mando" Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and The Child, aka Baby Yoda as they set out on an epic journey. And judging by the first trailer for the upcoming season, it looks like we'll get plenty of Mando taking out the galaxy's most vile scum as he tries to uncover the origins of his cute yet extremely powerful companion. And while we still don't know exactly what the season holds for the adventures of everyone's favorite Mandalorian bounty hunter, if it's anything like the final episodes of the show's freshman season, we're in for a real treat the second time around.

In a year that has been filled with extended delays, new release dates, and the all other sorts of chaos due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showrunner Jon Favreau and Disney+ have been able to avoid any issues with the release of The Mandalorian Season 2 and the the show will return to the streaming platform with new episodes starting October 30, 2020. That means we don't have to wait too much longer to find out if the big reveal of Mando's face in the Season 1 finale will be the first and only time we see Pedro Pascal's face.

Wonder Woman 1984 - December 25, 2020

If 2020 were like any other year, we would have already seen Pedro Pascal's depiction of Maxwell Lord, the mysterious villain in Wonder Woman 1984, but we will all have to wait a little longer to find out more about the ultra-rich, powerful, and nefarious businessman ripped from the pages of DC Comics. In the soon-to-be-released followup to the Patty Jenkins' 2017 Wonder Woman, Pascal will be playing the character that has a history of takeovers (both corporate and evil) that can be compared to a certain bald villain in Superman's Metropolis. Which way the movie takes with the longtime nemesis of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) remains to be seen, but judging by the trailer, Pascal looks to be giving it his all here.

Pedro Pascal has been attached to Wonder Woman 1984 since the summer of 2018 when it was revealed that the Game of Thrones actor would be taking on a mystery role in the DCEU sequel that was later revealed to be none other than Maxwell Lord. But fans wanting to see Pascal's version of the suave and ruthless comic book villain have been forced to wait and wait and wait again after the movie's release date keeps getting pushed back. Originally slated to be released on December 13, 2019, Wonder Woman 1984 has since been moved up to November 1, 2019, before being pushed to June 5, 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced theater closures in March 2020, the movie was delayed to August 14, 2020, then October 2, 2020, before finally being moved to December 25, 2020.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent - March 19, 2021

It is no secret that Nicolas Cage has had his fair share of money issues over the years, and now it appears that there will soon be a fictionalized version of the iconic actor's cash woes in the upcoming meta action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. According to Deadline, the movie follows a creatively unfulfilled and bankrupt version of Nicolas Cage after he is forced to accept $1 million to attend the birthday party of Javi, his number one fan and Mexican drug kingpin played by Pedro Pascal. What starts out as a harmless night out quickly turns into something more when Cage, under the guidance of Tiffany Haddish's government agent, attempts to take down the criminal organization once and for all by channeling his most beloved and over-the-top on-screen characters.

The project first came to fruition several years ago when director Tom Gormican and screenwriter Kevin Etten sent Nicolas Cage a letter seeing if he would have any interest in playing a fictionalized version of himself in an absurd action comedy. Once the charismatic actor agreed, a bidding war ensued with Lionsgate eventually coming in with the best offer. Production on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is slated to get off the ground at some point in late 2020 for a March 19, 2021 release date, but going off every other movie being pushed back due to COVID-19, it wouldn't be surprising to see this one get rescheduled at some point in the near future.

We Can Be Heroes - TBD

Next up for Pedro Pascal will be a yet-to-be-named character in Robert Rodriguez's upcoming We Can Be Heroes, a followup to the 2005 kids action movie The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D, this time seeing a release on Netflix instead of a traditional theatrical run. 

According to a 2019 Deadline report, We Can Be Heroes will center around the children of Earth's superheroes as they try to rescue their parents who have been kidnapped by aliens. In a conversation with EW in June 2020, Rodriguez revealed that one of the film's main characters will be the daughter of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, with Taylor Dooley (Lavagirl) reprising her role as an older hero. There was no word on if Taylor Lautner (Sharkboy) will be showing up in some shape or form.

The Deadline report mentioned above also revealed that We Can Be Heroes will have a rather stacked cast (which is no surprise for a Robert Rodriguez project), with Christian Slater, Akia Akbar, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, and Pedro Pascal padding a supporting cast that also includes nearly a dozen other stars of film and television. But we still don't know what each of these actors will be doing or when we'll be able to see We Can Be Heroes, but whenever it does come out, it will be all over Netflix to let the world know. There's also no word on whether the movie will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and try out that insane 3-D technology this time around.

Tropico - TBD

Another upcoming project involving Pedro Pascal is Tropico, which is being described as an atmospheric and exotic thriller featuring Willem Dafoe, Morena Baccarin, and Pascal. The film, which is being directed by Giada Colagrande, is based on a script by Barry Gifford that follows Dafoe's Raymond Sanz, an operative hired to spy on Pascal's Mark, a wealthy American businessman living in a coastal town in Northern Brazil. What starts off as a simple fact-gathering mission quickly turns into something much deeper and potentially darker when Raymond falls in love with Mark's mysterious wife Lucia (Baccarin) and her identical sister Olivia (also played by Baccarin). Colagrande told Deadline in 2019 that Tropico is a steamy thriller similar to some of the classic examples of film noir.

There is no release date for Tropico at this point in time, especially considering that the production has yet to begin. Principal photography was set to get started in the first quarter of 2020 in São Luis Do Maranhão in Northern Brazil, but that never came to be and a new start date has not been revealed. But with a fascinating story and talented collection of actors, hopefully, Tropico doesn't slip between the cracks.

Well, those are all the upcoming movies and television shows featuring Pedro Pascal, star of the Disney+ hit series The Mandalorian. Which of these upcoming projects are you most excited to check out? Make sure to sound off in the comments below.

And while some movies on this list either don't have release dates or their premieres keep getting pushed back, you can keep track of everything with the 2020 Movie Release Schedule as well as the 2021 New Movie Releases guide here at CinemaBlend.

If you’ve heard the news that Nicolas Cage is set to play Tiger King’s Joe Exotic and thought to yourself, "How incredibly Nic Cage that is of him," it doesn’t come as close as the actor’s other upcoming role. The National Treasure actor has signed on to star in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, where he’ll play a heightened version of himself who gets recruited by the CIA to take down one of his biggest fans… who just happens to be a Mexican drug kingpin. We’ve now learned that The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal could be playing that superfan.

The actor behind the helmet of the hit Disney+ Star Wars series, Narcos and Wonder Woman 1984 is reportedly in talks to star alongside Nicolas Cage as “Javi,” an admirer of the Face/Off actor who pays him $1 million to make an appearance at his lavish birthday party, per The Wrap. The wild concept that will feature the legendary actor getting into frantic conversations with an egotistical version of himself from the ‘90s after finding himself broke and desperate for work.

According to the film’s synopsis, Nicolas Cage agrees to meet Javi at the birthday party, only to later be contacted by the CIA, who reveal he has to go undercover for them so they can take Javi down. The stakes double when Cage’s ex-wife and daughter get caught up in the mess too. Now the actor doesn’t really have a daughter, but he does have four ex-wives: Patricia Arquette, Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie, Alice Kim and Erika Koike, the latter of whom he was married to for a mere four days.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was written by Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten, who sent Nicolas Cage a letter about their concept in the hopes he would star in their homage to the actor. He agreed and apparently nabbed a huge paycheck for the job of playing himself. The movie impressed three studios so much, they went into a bidding war, leaving Lionsgate on top. Massive Talent is scheduled to come out on March 19, 2021, and casting is starting to move along. Cage explained his role further with these words:

If Pedro Pascal officially nabs this part, he’d be a great addition to this exciting anomaly of a movie. We’ve seen the actor can play at comedy and intensity, and he would be a formidable foe to Nicolas Cage’s... Nic Cage. Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for more updates on upcoming movies.

Throughout his treasured career, Nicolas Cage has played a slew of intriguing characters on the big screen. But now he gets to take on the role of his lifetime: himself. Cage is officially set to play an exaggerated version of himself drowning in debt, desperate to work with Quentin Tarantino and working undercover for the CIA in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent next year.

Lionsgate has just announced that Nicolas Cage’s next project will be released in theaters on March 19, 2021 – the same weekend Alicia Vikander returns to Tomb Raider and another Paranormal Activity film hits theaters (via THR). File this under movies we never thought would happen, but wow, it's both wild and impressive that it's coming together.

That Awkward Moment and Ghosted writers Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten wrote the script and sent it over to Nicolas Cage hoping he’d take on the passion project. The creatives attached a letter to their project assuring the actor that The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was born out of love for his career, and Cage agreed to star as himself in the meta film.

The 2021 release will follow Nicolas Cage during a particularly tough time. The actor’s finances are hanging by a thread, and so is his relationship with his fictional teenage daughter. In desperation, Cage agrees to get paid to show up at a Mexican billionaire’s party who is a big fan of his work. They bond until the CIA takes Cage aside later and reveals he’s the kingpin of a drug cartel.

The U.S. government then asks Nicolas Cage to pose undercover to gather intelligence for them when he kidnaps the daughter of a Mexican presidential nominee. Cage’s entanglement in the whole situation deepens when his ex-wife and daughter get caught in the middle as well.

In a hilarious twist, Nicolas Cage apparently has conversations with his ‘90s self during the movie. This alter ego mocks him for his more recent choices in film projects. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is said to be ridden with references to his work including Leaving Las Vegas, Face/Off and Gone in 60 Seconds.

Details of the project were announced back in November, with Nic Cage reportedly getting a huge paycheck comparable to his glory days to star in the role. Multiple studios were interested in financing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, including Paramount and the streaming service HBO Max, but the project ended up in Lionsgate’s hands.

Considering National Treasure 3 may be back on track, Nicolas Cage may also be returning to his iconic Disney role. For now, the actor currently stars H.P. Lovecraft’s Color Out of Space, which is playing in theaters.

The man, the legend: Nicolas Cage. Between swapping faces with John Travolta for Face/Off to stealing the Declaration of Independence in Disney’s National Treasure, the 55-year-old actor has had one of the most amusing careers in Hollywood. After years of taking on smaller projects, Cage is finally starring in a studio movie again. And turns out, he’ll be playing himself.

Titled The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, the meta movie will follow Nic Cage with a frantic goal to be in Quentin Tarantino’s next movie as he is faced with a mountain of debt and a troubled relationship with his teen daughter. Oh and it gets better! Apparently the actor will talk to an egotistical ‘90s version of himself who tears him down for recent dumb movie choices, per THR.

Since the fictional Nicolas Cage becomes buried in debt, he resorts to make an appearance at the birthday party of a Mexican billionaire who is a massive fan of his. After the pair bond, the CIA pulls Cage aside to inform him the billionaire is really the kingpin of a drug cartel and has kidnapped the daughter of a Mexican presidential nominee as well. The Con Air actor is then recruited by the U.S. government to take him down.

Things really heat up when his ex-wife and daughter get wrapped up in the situation as well. Now, Cage doesn’t really have a daughter, he has two sons. It’ll be interesting how the movie handles the matter of the ex-wife character too, since he’s been formerly married to Patricia Arquette, Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie, Alice Kim, and most recently Erika Koike – for four days.

Now, to answer your undoubted question about how in Hollywood did a movie like The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent come to be. The script was written by Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten and sent out to Nicolas Cage with a letter making the case to the actor to star. Gormican assured Cage it was written with love to him, with no intention to poke fun at his career. He’s the only man for the job and thankfully the script convinced the star!

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent also impressed a slew of studios including HBO Max and Paramount, but Lionsgate won the fight for the project. Tom Gormican is on board to direct the movie, with Waves and Euphoria Kevin Turen producing. Nicolas Cage is reportedly getting massive paycheck comparable to National Treasure and Con Air. For context, he amassed $20 million per project in his glory days.

What sounds like a hilarious love letter to the lore of Nic Cage will also have references to his famed movies such as Leaving Las Vegas, Face/Off and Gone In 60 Seconds. Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend as the project continues to move forward!