Ghost Rider Star Nicolas Cage Calls the MCU a 'Well-Funded and Glorified WWE'

Nicolas Cage has issued his verdict on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, calling it a "well-funded and glorified WWE," despite its use of top-tier acting talent.

Speaking at Fan Expo Dallas, Cage aired his thoughts on Hollywood's largest-grossing franchise of all time — despite his own participation in a slew of comic book movie projects.

"I do say this with love," Cage began. "When I see these 50-plus, otherwise intelligent, remarkably gifted thespians putting on these ridiculous outfits and getting ready for the fight — and let's face it, it's cutting all to the fight — it's hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE."

On the one hand, you could argue that Cage's heavy involvement in comic book projects offers him a unique perspective on the matter. On the other, Cage has worn plenty of ridiculous outfits himself.

As detailed in IGN's own guide to all of Cage's comic book TV and movie projects, the actor is famous for starring in Ghost Rider and its sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, and Big Daddy in the original Kick-Ass. Infamously, Cage was also set to play Superman in Tim Burton's scrapped Superman Lives — though did ultimately cameo as Kal-El in an episode of The Flash.

In animation, Cage voiced Superman in Teen Titans GO! To the Movies, Dr. Tenma in Astro Boy, and of course voiced Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, a role he reprised for this year's live-action Spider-Noir — a role Cage recently spoke positively of.

So, what's going on here? Is Cage finally tired of superhero projects, or is he just being a bit Nicolas Cage about it all? Regardless, it seems best not to raise your hopes too high for him to make a surprise appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars, which will surely feature a ridiculous outfit or two.