Francis Ford Coppola might be Nicolas Cage’s uncle but that doesn’t mean they have to agree on everything. Coppola has been pretty vocal regarding his criticism of Marvel movies but Nicolas Cage doesn’t agree with his uncle’s assessments.
During a chat with GQ, Cage was asked about Coppola and Martin Scorsese’s criticisms of Marvel and comic book films and Cage said, “I don’t understand the conflict. I don’t agree with them on that perception or opinion.” Coppola has previously said that Marvel movies and comic book films have changed exhibition so much that only one type of film gets produced now for theatrical release. Cage doesn’t seem to agree with that notion either.
“I think that the movies that I make, like ‘Pig’ or ‘Joe,’ are not in any kind of conflict with Marvel movies. I mean, I don’t think the Marvel movie had anything to do with the end of the tweener. By tweener, I mean the $30 to $50 million budget movie. I think movies are in good shape. If you look at ‘Power of the Dog,’ or if you look at ‘Spencer,’ or any of Megan Ellison’s movies. I think that there’s still Paul Thomas Anderson.”
In a sense, Cage is right. Films outside the MCU and comic book movie genre are still getting made and they’re still receiving numerous accolades. I think what’s getting to directors like Coppola and Scorsese is that they aren’t necessarily being made for theatrical distribution as much but that’s also due to changing viewing habits of moviegoers. Streaming is in play now and those that are seeing that this is indeed a part of our cinematic future, are making films for those platforms. Cage, who dabbled with Marvel before the MCU took off in two Ghost Rider movies, also praised the brand for providing solid entertainment.
“Marvel has done a really excellent job of entertaining the whole family. They put a lot of thought into it. I mean, it’s definitely had a big progression from when I was doing the first two ‘Ghost Rider’ movies. Kevin Feige, or whoever is behind that machine, has found a masterful way of weaving the stories together and interconnecting all the characters.”
Cage spoke further on the matter by saying, “What could be wrong with wholesome entertainment that is appealing to the parents and the children, and gives people something to look forward to? I just, don’t see what the issue is.” Leave it to Nicolas Cage to make some sense out of this.
What are YOUR thoughts on Nicolas Cage’s feelings on Marvel movies?