Nicolas Cage Compares Recent Marvel Films to High-Budget Wrestling Matches

Nicolas Cage offered a blunt critique of modern superhero cinema over the weekend, characterizing recent Marvel Cinematic Universe productions as high-priced spectacles that prioritize choreographed combat over character development.

Appearing onstage at Fan Expo Dallas on Saturday, the veteran actor praised early studio efforts before detailing his frustration with current franchise formulas, according to a report by TheWrap. Cage noted that while the comic book powerhouse began with strong, interwoven narratives, its recent output has grown increasingly detached from grounded storytelling.

"Lately, I do say this with love, when I see these 50-plus, otherwise intelligent, remarkably gifted thespians putting on these ridiculous outfits and getting ready for the fight, it's hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE," Cage said during the panel, per TheWrap.

The actor contrasted that combat-heavy formula with his work on the upcoming Prime Video series *Spider-Noir*, where he portrays an alternate detective version of Spider-Man. Cage emphasized that the streaming project leans into investigative drama rather than rapid-fire action beats.

"One of the things I like about 'Spider-Noir,' it wasn't cutting to the fight. It was a detective story. There was a mystery there," Cage explained to the audience. "I would like to see it get back to telling the stories and not just cutting to the wrestling match."

For Hollywood Tomorrow, the critique highlights a wider industry conversation surrounding franchise fatigue, coming at a moment when legacy studios are actively re-evaluating comic book budgets and narrative volume following several uneven theatrical cycles.

Cage brings significant genre experience to the discussion, having previously starred in Sony's two *Ghost Rider* theatrical installments, Matthew Vaughn's *Kick-Ass*, and Sony Pictures Animation's Oscar-winning *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*.