For those who are unaware of Nicolas Cage’s Hollywood legacy, the actor once played himself in a 2022 movie – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Although most actors play themselves when it comes to autobiographies or documentaries, Cage apparently played himself in a commercial film, alongside Pedro Pascal.
Considering Nicolas Cage’s role in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent an unconventional one, screenwriter Kevin Etten revealed that the filmmakers had considered other actors for the role, in case Cage refused. Now, the list of actors sought as backup might baffle your mind, for Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale were eyed by the filmmakers.
Nicolas Cage Played Himself in Pedro Pascal’s 2022 Movie
Having a legacy of his own and an Oscar under his belt, Nicolas Cage is popularly known for his appearance as Ghost Rider. Adding to his list of achievements and filmography, the actor once played himself in the 2022 movie – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, alongside Pedro Pascal. While it might sound bizarre, Cage played the role of himself as a struggling actor dealing with his career and family life.
According to the plot, the 2022 movie follows a fictionalized version that explores Cage’s legacy in Hollywood. The film sees the actor struggling to find lead roles, when he is lured to an island by a rich fan named Javi (Pedro Pascal) who promised to offer $1M for attending a birthday. There onwards, Cage’s life takes a turn as he finds himself recruited by the CIA to conduct surveillance on his billionaire fan Javi Gutierrez.
Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale Were Sought to Play Nicolas Cage
While The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent seems like a fun take on Nicolas Cage’s Hollywood legacy, that later got hailed with strong reviews from critics, filmmakers were initially worried about Cage’s involvement in the movie. In an interview with THR, screenwriter Kevin Etten confirmed that the filmmakers associated with the project were concerned that Cage might opt not to play himself.
Therefore, they had two other Oscar winners on their list, whom they wanted to play the role of Nicolas Cage, in case the actor himself stepped down. During the interview, Etten noted that there were original takes on the project that sought either Daniel Day-Lewis or Christian Bale stepping in to actually play Cage. Although it would have been weird to hire different actors to play Cage, filmmakers still had their backup ready, just in case.
“There were times when I think I, more than Tom, was trying to talk myself into other ideas. The only actually good idea — I don’t know whose it was — was to have either Christian Bale or Daniel Day-Lewis playing Nick Cage. But really, no.”
Eventually, the filmmakers got to make The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, in a way they actually wanted. Although they kept heavy hitters such as Bale or Day-Lewis in their back pocket, they were ultimately able to cast Nicolas Cage as himself.
Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale’s Popular Method Acting
Although neither Daniel Day-Lewis nor Christian Bale were eventually required to play the role of Nicolas Cage, people argue that they both could’ve played the part of Cage well in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. In that case, the film undoubtedly would have missed out on ample opportunity to have fun with Cage’s legacy, but Bale and Lewis would have embraced the role with utmost intensity.
Given that both Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale are popularly known for their method acting, the actors would have certainly immersed themselves into the role of Nicolas Cage and offered captivating and unforgettable performances. Day-Lewis, who is known for going to extreme extents with his method acting, popularly embraces solitary confinement, illness, and as a part of training extensively for roles, via ScreenRant.
Similarly, even Christian Bale commits to the technique of method acting, where he adopts the mannerisms and mindset of his onscreen character as a part of his daily life. In an attempt to parallel his emotions with those of his character, Bale even lost weight and nearly scared the life out of his co-stars, on different occasions.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is available on Apple TV.
