Nicholas Cage has had many different roles in different genres during his long career. Starting with his film debut in 1982 Fast times at Ridgemont High, he has appeared in over 100 films and shows, in a career that continues today. Over the years, he’s become known for his eccentric characters and over-the-top performances, but he’s also had his share of well-grounded, well-received. Whether he has a relationship with Cher in hit by the moon or steal the Declaration of Independence National treasure, he will definitely play a memorable role. Yet, as with all actors, there are roles he has never been able to bring to life. Here are some key roles that Nicolas Cage either didn’t get or turned down.
10 Bender – The Breakfast Club (1985)
The breakfast club is a classic about five completely different teenagers who are trapped together in a Saturday jail. During the day they share their lives with each other and grow closer. One of the teenagers is the rebellious John Bender, played by Judd Nelson. John Cusack originally had the role before being recast, but Cage was also considered. It was rumored that the movie couldn’t afford his salary demands and therefore passed him on, but either way, the part went to a perfectly cast Nelson.
9 Harry – Stupid and Stupid (1994)
Stupid and stupid teams up with Jim Carrey as Lloyd and Jeff Daniels as Harry, two dim-witted friends who travel across the country to return a briefcase of money. The film was important to both actors, cementing their careers and comedic skills. Cage was interested in the role of Harry and considered taking it. Equivalent to The breakfast club, it was reported that the studio would not meet his salary demands. However, Cage said he turned it down to film Leaving Las Vegas instead – a wise decision, as he ended up winning a Best Actor Oscar for the film.
8 Scarecrow – Batman Unleashed (Unfilmed)
When releasing Batman and Robin in 1997, director Joel Schumacher planned another sequel, which would be titled Batman unleashed. The main villain of the film is said to be Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow, a psychiatrist who uses a fear toxin on his victims. Cage was approached for the role, but the negative reviews from Batman and Robin led to the film being scrapped. Scarecrow would later be played by Cillian Murphy in 2005 Batman begins.
7 Neo – The Matrix Franchise (1999-2021)
The Matrix is a groundbreaking sci-fi film about Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who joins a rebellion to overthrow the machines that imprison humanity in a simulation. Many people were considered for the role of Neo, and Cage was one of them. He turned it down for his family; he was in the middle of a divorce and didn’t want to be away from his son. The role would go to Reeves, who made Neo an iconic character.
6 Aragorn – The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
Under the spell of the Ring trilogy adapts JRR Tolkien’s classic books, about a young Hobbit who must travel to Mordor to destroy a mighty ring. A companion on this journey is Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), whom ScreenRant considers the best trilogy character. Cage was approached for the part by director Peter Jackson, but turned it down because the trilogy was filmed continuously for three years and he didn’t want to be away from his family for that long. This was probably for the best, because it’s hard to imagine anyone playing the part as well as Mortensen.
5 Shrek – Shrek (2001)
Shrek tells the story of an ogre who discovers that his swamp is overrun with banished fairytale characters. To restore his home, he makes a pact with the local ruler to rescue Princess Fiona. The film was a huge success that launched a franchise, and Mike Myers’ voice performance as Shrek was a standout. However, Cage was initially offered the voice role. He turned it down because he didn’t want to spend the film voicing a character he thought would be ugly and obnoxious, especially in an animated children’s movie.
4 Green Goblin – Spider Man (2002)
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Spider-Man was the first big movie for the title hero, played by Tobey Maguire. Fittingly, he has a big bad guy in his nemesis, the Green Goblin, played by Willem Dafoe in a strong and terrifying performance. However, Cage was actually the first choice for the part. It’s not exactly known why he turned it down, and while it would have been interesting to see, Dafoe’s opinion is excellent, and one of the best villain casting everby comic book sources.
3 Joel – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Spirit (2004)
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind revolves around a couple who undergo a procedure to delete their memories of each other. One half of the pair is the introverted Joel, who is played by Jim Carrey; the performance was a change for him and really showcased his dramatic abilities. Interestingly, Cage was director Michael Gondry’s first choice for the role. At the time, he was highly sought after – especially by independent directors – and was unavailable for filming.
2 Doctor Doom – Fantastic Four (2005)
The last comic book villain role that Cage was considered for is Doctor Doom in the ill-fated one Fantastic four movie. In the film, the superhero team takes on their nemesis, played by Julian McMahon. Cage was originally cast in the role and planned a different take on the character. This one emphasized a body-horror-style cyborg-centric look and was in line with the planned darker tone for the film. When the movie strayed from that dark tone, the character was changed and Cage was replaced. It’s interesting to wonder if his villainous performance might have helped the film.
1 Randy – The Wrestler (2008)
The wrestler is an intense sports drama starring Mickey Rourke as Randy, a former professional wrestler trying to regain his past glory while dealing with family troubles and failing health. Director Darren Aronofsky offered the role to Cage, who initially accepted. As the film developed, Cage left the project and turned down the role, thinking he would not have time to develop the right look. This led to Aronosfky returning to his original choice in Rourke, who received an Oscar nomination for the role.