Summary

• Cage’s career resurgence showcases his profound commitment to versatile roles in compelling films like Pig and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
• Arcadian, premiering on April 12, 2024, presents Cage’s formidable presence in a post-apocalyptic narrative that focuses on survival and family dynamics.
• Longlegs, set for release on July 12, 2024, will see Cage portraying a serial killer in a psychological thriller that challenges perceptions and delves into the human psyche.

Being one of the most prolific names in Hollywood, there are several upcoming Nicolas Cage movies. A name synonymous with versatility and a penchant for choosing eclectic roles, Cage has remained an enigmatic figure in Hollywood for decades. From his early days of raw, passionate performances in Leaving Las Vegas for which he won an Academy Award, to unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping roles in Face/Off and National Treasure, Cage has carved a unique path through the cinematic landscape. His ability to oscillate between the deeply dramatic and the fantastically absurd has endeared him to audiences worldwide.

In recent years, Cage has experienced a remarkable career resurgence, taking on roles that have redefined his artistic trajectory and garnered critical acclaim. Films like Pig, a nuanced, soul-stirring tale of loss and redemption, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, where Nicolas Cage plays a heightened version of himself, have showcased his profound commitment to his craft. This phase of his career, marked by a selection of projects that blend mainstream appeal with indie cred, has reaffirmed his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation, and Nicolas Cage’s upcoming movies promise to continue that trend.

Arcadian

Releasing On April 12, 2024

Cage continues to astonish and captivate audiences with his choice of roles, seamlessly blending into the fabric of whichever genre he inhabits. In Arcadian, a 2024 action horror film originally titled Sand and Stones, Cage finds himself in a near-future Earth ravaged by apocalypse. Directed by Ben Brewer, the film leverages Cage’s formidable presence as Paul, a father striving to protect his twin teenage sons from the nocturnal horrors that threaten their existence. This narrative premise serves as a foundation for a movie that is as much about survival and despair as it is about the indomitable spirit of family.

Arcadian
has been well-received by critics who saw it at South by Southwest in March; on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts a very respectable 91% of 23 critics.

Premiering at South by Southwest on March 11, 2024, Arcadian immediately caught the attention of both critics and festival-goers, who praised its innovative storytelling, atmospheric tension, and compelling character dynamics. Following its successful festival run, the film is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on April 12, 2024, with plans for a subsequent streaming availability on Shudder and AMC+ later in the year (via Deadline).

Arcadian has been well-received by critics who saw it at South by Southwest in March; on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts a very respectable 91% of 23 critics. The consensus highlights the film’s ability to merge family drama with post-apocalyptic horror, resulting in a visceral and emotionally resonant experience. Such positive feedback underscores the film’s success in continuing Nicolas Cage’s penchant for the horror genre and delivering an emotionally engaging story.

Longlegs

Releasing On July 12, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of horror thrillers, Longlegs promises to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense, mystery, and psychological depth. Scheduled for release on July 12, 2024, the movie marks a significant entry into the genre, with Cage taking on the role of a serial killer. Directed and written by Oz Perkins, known for his unique approach to horror storytelling with films like the underrated Gretel & Hansel, Longlegs is set against the backdrop of 1974, weaving a narrative that is as much about the pursuit of a killer as it is about the exploration of the human psyche.

While Cage brings the bankability to the project, at the center of the film is Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), a new FBI agentassigned to delve into the complexities of an unsolved serial killer case. As Harker digs deeper, she uncovers occult evidence, and the investigation takes a personal turn, revealing a connection between her and the killer. This twist not only heightens the stakes but also challenges Harker to confront her own demons in the quest for justice.

Longlegs‘ unique marketing campaign isn’t even utilizing Cage’s star power, instead focusing on the story’s mystery. Nevertheless, Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of the serial killer is anticipated to be a highlight of Longlegs, and could see him at his most uncaged in years. Cage’s performance as the antagonist will undoubtedly blend menace with a haunting vulnerability, which is also characteristic of Perkins’ approach to character development. Alongside Monroe, the cast includes Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood.

The Surfer

Release Date Is Currently Unknown

The Surfer emerges as yet another thriller in the list of Nicolas Cage’s upcoming movies. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan and featuring Nicolas Cage in a role that promises to challenge and enthrall, the film delves into the psyche of a man confronted by his past and the territorial dynamics of a secluded beach in Australia. Cage’s character, a man returning to his homeland to reclaim his family’s beachfront property, becomes embroiled in a tense standoff with local surfers, setting the stage for a narrative rich in emotion and suspense.

Known for the
Village of the Damned
-influenced
Vivarium
, Finnegan has a penchant for weaving surreal, often unsettling narratives that challenge the viewer’s perceptions.

Cage, known for his compelling screen presence, portrays a protagonist whose intentions of a peaceful reconciliation with his past are met with hostility, leading to an escalating conflict that threatens his identity and sanity. The Surfer will likely be a departure from conventional thrillers, largely due to Finnegan’s direction. Known for the Village of the Damned-influenced Vivarium, Finnegan has a penchant for weaving surreal, often unsettling narratives that challenge the viewer’s perceptions. This film promises to extend his exploration of the bizarre, suggesting that the beach confrontation may only be the surface of a deeper, more surreal conflict.

As yet, there is no trailer or release date for The Surfer, but it has been shot and is currently in the post-production phase. Given that the movie only has one small Australian distributor, it’s likely that The Surfer will be submitted to film festivals in an attempt to find a distributor for the US and other territories before it gets a proper release. In that respect, the movie might not get a wide release until at least 2025.

Lords Of War

Release Date Is Currently Unknown

The announcement of Lords of War, a sequel to the 2005 cult classic Lord of War, has sparked fervent anticipation among fans. Nicolas Cage is set to return as Yuri Orlov, the charismatic yet morally ambiguous arms dealer whose life and career were explored in the first film. This time, Cage not only steps back into Orlov’s shoes but also takes on the role of producer, promising a project deeply influenced by his vision and understanding of the character. Adding a fresh dynamic to the narrative, Bill Skarsgård is stepping into the role of Orlov’s son.

The introduction of Orlov’s son means the sequel could potentially explore the familial and ethical complexities of the arms trade.

Lord of War was acclaimed for its incisive commentary on the global arms trade, blending dark humor with stark realism to shine a light on an industry shrouded in secrecy and moral dilemmas. Cage’s portrayal of Orlov was both captivating and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the psyche of a man who navigates the perilous waters of international arms dealing with a blend of cunning and detached amorality. The introduction of Orlov’s son means the sequel could potentially explore the familial and ethical complexitiesof the arms trade.

Though there’s no official release date for the sequel, the film will likely be released in 2025. Production has only just begun, and it’s a much bigger undertaking than any other upcoming Cage movie. Lords of War will be taking place in multiple countries, including Morroco (via Variety), and it’ll likely need a lot of work in post-production if it features anything like the epic Lord of War opening sequence. Nevertheless, as Lords of War develops, it stands as a testament to Nicolas Cage’s enduring appeal and prolific nature, further cementing him as a Hollywood legend.

Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, Deadline, Variety