Nicolas Cage says the MCU is turning into a 'glorified WWE'

Nicolas Cage has some sharp words for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At Fan Expo Dallas, the 62-year-old Hollywood star said the superhero franchise has drifted away from what made it special. He said it now reminds him of "a well-funded and glorified WWE".

Cage was quick to praise the franchise's early years. He called its start "terrific" and said some of the first stories were "marvellous". He liked how Marvel tied the different threads together and gave each character a real backstory. His problem is with what came later, as the films lean more and more on big action scenes.

He said he meant his criticism "with love", but he did not soften the point. He talked about gifted, intelligent actors over 50 putting on what he called "ridiculous outfits" and getting ready for yet another battle. Watching that, he said, it is hard not to think of wrestling, because "it's all cutting to the fight".

The actor knows comic book films well. He played Ghost Rider in the 2007 film and came back for the 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. More recently he played the title role in the Marvel series Spider-Noir, a detective story set in 1930s New York. Reports say the show was cancelled after one season of eight episodes.

Cage held up Spider-Noir as the kind of storytelling he wants to see more of. He said he enjoyed that the series did not rush to the action. It built a mystery instead. He wants the MCU to get back to telling stories and stop "cutting to the wrestling match".

His comments come as Ghost Rider is reportedly being brought back inside the MCU. Ryan Gosling is said to be playing the lead in a film directed by Shawn Levy, and reports point to a July 28, 2028 release.