Nicolas Cage Says MCU Needs to Focus on Stories

Nicolas Cage criticized the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s recent emphasis on action, saying at Fan Expo Dallas that the franchise was becoming “a well-funded and glorified WWE.” He contrasted that approach with early MCU films, which he said connected character stories and backstories, and called for the films to return to story-focused filmmaking. Cage made the comments during a question-and-answer session at the convention. He said he still viewed the franchise’s beginnings positively, describing its early storytelling as “terrific.” In discussing more recent films, he said that seeing actors prepare for fights and films repeatedly cut to action reminded him of professional wrestling. He framed the criticism as being made “with love.” The actor did not identify particular MCU films or specify the period he had in mind. His remarks express his own assessment; the information available does not establish whether his description reflects broader audience or industry opinion. Cage pointed to Spider-Noir, the superhero detective series in which he played Ben Reilly, as an example of the kind of storytelling he values.