- Primary Subject: Nicolas Cage’s criticism of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
- Key Update: Nicolas Cage compared the MCU’s fight-focused direction to a glorified WWE.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 1, 2026
- Quick Answer: Nicolas Cage criticized the MCU, comparing its fight-heavy direction to a glorified WWE and calling for a return to strong character-driven storytelling.
Nicolas Cage recently called out the MCU franchise for the current direction it is heading at the moment and compared it to the WWE.
While the MCU has suffered from setbacks in the last few years, the franchise is still leading the way in the comic book movie world, as its recent releases have been massive box office successes and have generated a lot of hype for Avengers: Doomsday later this year.
However, the Oscar-winning actor has expressed his dissatisfaction with its current state.
Why Is Nicolas Cage Calling Out the Current State of the MCU?
In a recent panel at Fan Expo Dallas (via The Hollywood Reporter), Nicolas Cage offered his hot take on the current state of the MCU, where he expressed his wish that the franchise would focus on story again.
"It started out, in my view, terrific. Some of the early stories were marvelous. The way that they wove all the threads together and told the different character stories and backstories," he said.
"Lately, I do say this with love, when I see these 50-plus and otherwise intelligent and remarkably gifted thespians putting on these ridiculous outfits and getting ready for the fight. Let’s face it, it’s all cutting to the fight. It’s hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE."
Cage also reflected on his recent starring role in Spider-Noir and how it is different from the other superhero stories today.
"One of the things I liked about Spider-Noir was it wasn’t cut into the fight. It was a detective story. There was a mystery there. And I would like to see it [MCU] get back to telling the stories and not just cutting to the wrestling match," he said.
Aside from Spider-Noir, Cage previously starred in two Ghost Rider movies. He has not been invited back to reprise the role of Johnny Blaze ever since.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Avengers Movies
Avengers: Doomsday follows beloved heroes from three distinct universes as they’re set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered. The film is slated for release in theaters on December 18.
The star-studded cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright, Simu Liu, Tom Hiddleston, Winston Duke, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Danny Ramirez, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, Channing Tatum, Hayley Atwell, and Chris Evans.
As for Secret Wars, the details are still under wraps since production is taking place this year. It is slated for release in theaters in December 2027.
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