Nicolas Cage says directors' feelings get hurt when he rejects their offers
Los Angeles, May 25
Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage is of the opinion that many film directors "get their feelings hurt" when he turns them down.
The 62-year-old actor has previously rejected offers from the likes of David O. Russell, Sir Christopher Nolan, Woody Allen, and Paul Thomas Anderson. The actor has confirmed that only one of them has ever returned with another film opportunity, reports 'Female First UK'.
Nicolas told The New York Times, "David O. Russell offered me a movie a million years ago. It was a good movie, and he offered it and I said no, and he's the only director that I ever said no to who actually came back and offered me another movie".
Nicolas, who plays John Madden in the new Russell-directed biopic Madden, suggested that some directors can be very sensitive when they're rejected.
He said, "Most of them, they get their feelings hurt and don't call you back. It's happened a million times to me. It's happened with Christopher Nolan, it's happened with Woody Allen, it's happened with Paul Thomas Anderson. They don't call me back".
On the other hand, Nicolas is thrilled that he's now worked with David O. Russell on Madden, the upcoming biographical sports film.
The actor said, "Anyway, David did call me, and it showed a lot of class that he would call me back and invite me again, and I didn't want to say no to him again because I have great respect for his talent. And it was a beautiful experience. I enjoyed working with David. I enjoyed working with Christian (Bale), John Mulaney".
Meanwhile, Nicolas previously revealed that he has a student-like approach to his work.
As per 'Female First UK', the actor has achieved huge success during his time in the movie business, but Nicolas acknowledges that he's still learning about his craft.
The actor, who has previously won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, told Entertainment Tonight, "I certainly can't think in those terms like I've done it all. I've always had the mantra that I'm a student. I've viewed my path and film-making as a student. I would never call myself a master. I always have something to learn, always want to learn. So, 60 is coming up for sure, so my goal is to read more. I've been lagging in that department. I'd like to read a book a week".
Nicolas became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood in the mid-90s. The actor has come under fire for some of his more-recent projects, but Nicolas previously insisted that he's fully committed to everything he does.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I actually admire Nic Cage's honesty here! In India, we have such a culture of 'adjusting' to avoid hurting egos, but he's just being upfront. Also, David O. Russell coming back to offer him a role shows real class. More directors should have thick skin like that. Shabash!
Wait, he rejected Christopher Nolan and Woody Allen?! That's crazy, man! But then again, Cage has had a wild career - from Oscar winner to those straight-to-DVD movies. Maybe he should have grabbed those chances? Just my two paise worth.
Honestly, this is quite refreshing to hear from a superstar. In Bollywood, you rarely hear actors talk so openly about rejecting big directors. Nic Cage comes across as very grounded - still calling himself a student after all these years. That humility is gold. 🌟
I'm a bit disappointed that Nolan and the others never called him back. In our Indian film industry, there's often back-channel communication even after rejections. But perhaps that's the Hollywood way - cold and cutthroat. Good for David O. Russell though, he proved he's bigger than his ego.
"I'd like to read a book a week" - Bhai, this resonated with me so much! Even at 62, with an Oscar and everything, he wants to keep learning. Meanwhile, we think we know everything after one online course. Cage the legend, no doubt! 📚🔥
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.