Nicolas Cage is one of our favorite dudes. Everyone loves him in different roles for different reasons. But despite Pedro Pascal‘s best efforts, he can’t get Cage into “Star Wars.” After sharing fantastic chemistry on and off screen while shooting “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Pascal has been nudging Cage to join the galaxy far, far away. Apparently, Cage is far more into the introspective and philosophical nature of “Star Trek‘s” brand of science fiction.
Cage was asked about the prospect during an interview promoting his upcoming western, “The Old Way.” It seems Cage’s reluctance to enter into “Star Wars” extends fully and completely into disinterest. “I’m not really down,” he said when asked. “I’m a Trekkie, man. I’m on the Star Trek Enterprise. That’s where I roll.”
Science Fiction vs. Science Fantasy
“I like the political and the sociological [messages]. To me what science fiction is really all about and why it’s such an important genre,” Cage explained. “You put it on a different planet, you put it in a different time or in the future, and without people just jumping on you, you can really express your thoughts like Orwell or whomever in the science fiction format.”
“Star Trek” definitely uses science fiction has a vehicle for taking a look at humanity as a whole. There are outstanding episodes throughout the franchise that focus on themes of prejudice, race, and much more.
“Star Wars” is more fantasy in space. Jedi Knights with laser swords and telepathic powers isn’t that far removed from high fantasy heroes wielding enchanted swords and spells. As far as philosophical conversation, it’s lacking. So we’re unlikely to see Cage appear in “The Mandalorian.”
“I’m not in the ‘Star Wars’ family,” Cage said. “I’m in the ‘Star Trek’ family…it’s a fact.”
Catch Cage as Dracula in “Renfield,” due out April 14th, 2023.
