Nicolas Cage Likens Marvel Movies to 'Glorified WWE', Criticizes Costumed Fight Scenes

Actor Nicolas Cage has criticized the Marvel Cinematic Universe, describing it as resembling "a glorified WWE" because of how it stages costumed fight scenes involving veteran performers.

Speaking at a fan convention in Texas, Cage, who stars in the Sony Marvel series Spider-Noir, said he made the comments "with love" for his fellow actors. He said it was difficult not to notice the contrast when watching "50-plus and otherwise intelligent and remarkably gifted thespians" put on costumes and prepare for fight sequences in superhero films.

Cage said much of the buildup in these films ultimately leads to action sequences, comparing the spectacle to professional wrestling in terms of its scale and presentation. His remarks add to a broader public conversation in recent years about the direction and sustainability of the superhero film genre, as major studios have produced a high volume of interconnected franchise content.

Cage's own involvement in the genre, through his role in Spider-Noir, places him in an unusual position among actors who have voiced skepticism about the superhero format, since he continues to work within it. He did not single out specific films or performers in his comments.

The remarks were made during a fan convention appearance rather than a formal interview, and Marvel Studios had not issued a public response at the time of the comments.