Nicolas Cage has had many different roles in a variety of genres throughout his lengthy career. Beginning with his film debut in 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, he has appeared in over 100 movies 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 has also delivered his share of grounded, well-received ones. Whether he’s in a relationship with Cher in Moonstruck or stealing the Declaration of Independence in National Treasure, he is sure to turn in a memorable role. Yet, like with all actors, there are roles he never got the chance to bring to life. Here are some major roles that Nicolas Cage 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 stuck in a Saturday detention together. Over the course of the day, they share their lives with each other, and grow closer. One of the teens is the rebellious John Bender, played by Judd Nelson. John Cusack originally had the role before being re-cast, but Cage was also considered. It was rumored that the movie couldn’t afford his salary requirements and passed on him due to that, but either way, the role went to a perfectly-cast Nelson.
9 Harry – Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Dumb and Dumber teams up Jim Carrey as Lloyd and Jeff Daniels as Harry, two dumb friends who travel across the country to return a briefcase of money. The movie was major for both actors, solidifying their careers and comedic abilities. Cage was interested in the part of Harry, and considered taking it. Similar to The Breakfast Club, it was reported that the studio wouldn’t meet his salary requirements. Cage, however, 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 movie.
8 Scarecrow – Batman Unleashed (Unfilmed)
Upon the release of Batman and Robin in 1997, director Joel Schumacher was planning another sequel, which would be titled Batman Unleashed. The main villain of the movie would be Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow, a psychiatrist who uses a fear toxin on his victims. Cage was approached for the role, but the negative reviews of Batman and Robin led to the movie being scrapped. Scarecrow would later be played by Cillian Murphy in 2005’s Batman Begins.
7 Neo – The Matrix Franchise (1999-2021)
The Matrix is a groundbreaking sci-fi movie about Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who joins a rebellion to overthrow the machines trapping 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)
The Lord of the Rings trilogy adapts J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic books, about a young Hobbit who must travel to Mordor to destroy a powerful ring. One companion on this journey is Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), who ScreenRant considers the best trilogy character. Cage was approached for the role 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 likely for the best, as it's difficult to imagine anyone playing the role as well as Mortensen.
5 Shrek – Shrek (2001)
Shrek tells the story of an ogre who finds his swamp overrun with banished fairy tale characters. To restore his home, he makes a pact with the local ruler to rescue Princess Fiona. The movie was a huge success that launched a franchise, and Mike Myers’s voice performance as Shrek was a highlight. However, Cage was initially offered the voice role. He turned it down because he didn’t want to spend the movie voicing a character that he thought would be ugly and off-putting, especially in an animated kids' movie.
4 Green Goblin – Spider-Man (2002)
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Spider-Man was the first major movie for the title hero, played by Tobey Maguire. He fittingly has a great villain in his archnemesis, the Green Goblin, played by Willem Dafoe in a strong and frightening performance. However, Cage was actually the first choice for the role. It’s unknown exactly why he turned it down, and though it would have been interesting to see, Dafoe’s take is excellent, and one of the best villain castings ever, per Comic Book Resources.
3 Joel – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind revolves around a couple who undergo a procedure to remove their memories of each other. One half of the couple is the introverted Joel, who is played by Jim Carrey; the performance was a change for him, and really showed his dramatic abilities. Interestingly, Cage was director Michael Gondry’s first choice for the role. At the time, he was largely sought after – particularly by independent directors – and was unavailable for filming.
2 Doctor Doom – Fantastic Four (2005)
The final comic book villain role Cage was considered for is Doctor Doom in the ill-fated Fantastic Four movie. The movie has the superhero team take on their nemesis, played by Julian McMahon. Cage was originally cast in the role, and had a different take planned for the character. This one emphasized a cyborg-centric, body-horror style look, and was in line with the planned darker tone for the movie. As the movie strayed from that darker tone, the character was changed and Cage was replaced. It’s interesting to wonder if his villain performance might have helped the movie.
1 Randy – The Wrestler (2008)
The Wrestler is an intense sports drama that stars Mickey Rourke as Randy, a former pro wrestler trying to regain his past glory, while dealing with family problems and his failing health. Director Darren Aronofsky offered the role to Cage, who originally accepted. However, as the movie developed, Cage left the project and turned down the part because he didn’t think he’d 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.