Oscar Winner Nicolas Cage Compares Marvel Cinematic Universe To A "Glorified WWE"

Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage raised eyebrows in the pop-culture world during a recent appearance at FAN EXPO Dallas, offering a candid comparison between the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and professional wrestling.

Cage Highlights Similarities Between Marvel & Professional Wrestling

While answering fan questions during a Q&A panel, the legendary actor shared his perspective on the modern MCU landscape and the massive spectacle surrounding its high-budget action sequences.

Cage, who clarified that his observations were made “with love,” pointed out that watching highly accomplished actors don elaborate superhero costumes for heavily choreographed fights increasingly mirrors the theatrical presentation of WWE:

“The MCU is becoming a… I do say this with love. 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 is cutting all to the fight…”

Cage elaborated on the visual and structural parallels between comic book blockbusters and sports entertainment:

“It’s hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE.”

A Shared History With Comic Book Lore

While Cage has never officially appeared within the Marvel Cinematic Universe produced by Marvel Studios, he is no stranger to comic book adaptations. He famously portrayed Johnny Blaze in Sony’s Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), provided the voice for Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), and played Big Daddy in Kick-Ass (2010).

His comments highlight the growing cultural overlap between comic book cinema and modern pro wrestling—both relying on larger-than-life personas, character-driven rivalries, and elaborate physical choreography to captivate global audiences.