The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola wrote a heartfelt tribute to his nephew and actor, Nicolas Cage. Cage recently starred in Dream Scenario, which earned him a nomination at the recently concluded Golden Globes. Coppola praised his work in this film as well as in his earlier 2021 film, Pig. While fans appreciated Coppola’s praise, they also shared that it was high time for Coppola to cast Cage in one of his films.
The Ghost Rider actor is the son of August Coppola, who was the brother of Francis Ford Coppola and actress Talia Shire. Cage changed his name from Coppola to avoid the association with his famous uncle and secure film roles independently.
Fans Demand The Godfather Director Cast Nephew Nicolas Cage In One Of His Films
Francis Ford Coppola took to Instagram to pen a note of appreciation for his nephew Nicolas Cage’s recent performances. He shared admiration at how Cage always pulled such wonderful performances. Recalling memories from Cage’s childhood, Coppola wrote that The Rock actor displayed his acting skills as a kid by imitating a computer. The Godfather director ended his note by praising Cage’s roles in Michael Sarnoski’s Pig and Kristoffer Borgli’s Dream Scenario.
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After one fan shared a screenshot of Coppola’s post on X, other fans flooded in with their love for Cage. However, some fans went a step further, urging the Tetro director to cast Cage in his upcoming movie. As Coppola is currently working on the sci-fi drama, Megalopolis, with actors like Adam Driver, Shia LaBeouf, and his other nephew Jason Schwartzman. One fan suggested that it was not too late to include Cage in the film.
However, the filming of Megalopolis wrapped up in March 2023. Other fan comments included jokes about casting Cage as a “computer” in his film, referring to the director’s words in the post. Another fan was furious that Coppola hasn’t cast Cage in more movies. Some fan reactions read:
I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭 💻 pic.twitter.com/MWhrFseJwy
— Justine Peres Smith (@redroomrantings) January 9, 2024
It’s not too late to put him in Megalopolis, Francis
— Ethan (@no1payakanfan) January 9, 2024
all i want now is a 4 hour francis ford coppola movie, staring Nic Cage as “Computer”
— Steve Moreton (@piggymort) January 10, 2024
I’m still Pissed he didnt cast him in any of his movies.
— Tchaka Udaku (@Tchaka_Cosplay) January 10, 2024
Pig truly was PHENOMENAL & I can’t wait to watch Dream Scenario 🙌🏼
— DC Expressions (@DCexp_) January 10, 2024
People just realizing that Nicolas Cage real name is Nicolas Coppola.
— Millie Zmegma (@NicoGFigueroa) January 10, 2024
In a July interview with Variety, Cage revealed that he has shifted towards more independent films due to the commercial constraints imposed by mainstream Hollywood. The independent films, according to Cage, offered him more freedom to experiment.
Also Read: The Godfather’s 2nd Best Line Came to Life After Actor’s Wife Suggested to Add the Banger
Francis Ford Coppola Refused To Give Nicolas Cage His Film Debut
Nicolas Cage made his acting debut in 1981, but at the age of 15, he tried to convince his uncle Francis Ford Coppola to grant him a screen test. However, Coppola remained silent to Cage’s demand. The Apocalypse Now director was already a big shot in Hollywood after The Godfather, and it would’ve been risky for him to cast an inexperienced Cage in a film. Cage shared with New York Magazine:
“[He told Coppola] ‘Give me a screen test—I’ll show you acting.’ There was just silence in the car.”
When the Leaving Las Vegas actor landed his first film role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, cast members only wanted to talk to him about his uncle. This incident prompted the Wicker Man actor to change his name from Coppola to Cage, inspired by the Marvel character Luke Cage and musician John Cage. The Face/Off actor did eventually work with Coppola in the 1983 film Rumble Fish and later in the 1986 film Peggy Sue Got Married.
The Godfather director’s favorite picks of Nicolas Cage movies — Pig is now available for streaming on Hulu, and Dream Scenario is now available for rent on AppleTV+.
