They say every great movement begins with one big idea, one innovator, one iconoclast. But in the case of “Operation Cage on Cage on Cage,” which swept Penn State’s campus by storm this morning, it was the work of six stalwarts that started the mania and confusion.

If you went to class today (a big if, I know, considering the weather this afternoon) you probably saw a barrage of 8.5×11 pieces of paper clad with various photoshops of Academy Award-winner and oft-chided actor Nicolas Cage. There was Hippolas Cage, Picleaus Cage, Hillary Clinton Cage, and every other conceivable variation of the actor’s face photoshopped on anything imaginable.

Penn State students, of course, took to social media immediately in utter confusion, demanding the culprits be named. @OperationCage was created to record the mayhem that ensued. Here’s a video of some of the best Cage variations you might have seen today.

penn state students have a real #culture problem with Nicholas Cage #operationcageoncageoncage — Fufkin (@ArtieFufkin10) April 10, 2013

today has been one of the best days of my month. and its not all because #operationcageoncageoncage …….but mostly — Gerhard Gengel (@Gersohard) April 10, 2013

To whoever posted all the pictures of Nicolas Cage everywhere: you’ve made my day #operationcageoncageoncage

— Emily Yarosz (@EmilyYarosz) April 10, 2013

If you find yourself in 100 forum today, please take the time to appreciate that someone put about 200 pictures of nic cage on the walls. — Alan Boyle (@Alan_Boyle) April 10, 2013



It was beautiful and confusing and inspiring all at the same time. I was able to catch up with two of the six culprits behind the movement to figure out just what the hell is going on.

It began as a simple idea months ago between six friends: Gerhard Gengel, Shivam Vedak, Jeremy Slocum, Gary Feig, Dan Harold, and the mastermind who wishes to remain anonymous.

“We didn’t have to pay for it because we just used all of our print credits,” Vedak said. “We just came together and figured it all out. It’s been in the works for months.”

The group said that they implored several other friends to donate their Penn State print credits to help with the cause.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” Gengel said.

The sextet began this morning at around 6 a.m., taping the various warped Nicolas Cage photos in every conceivable area in Forum, Willard, and Thomas buildings. In all, over 700 sheets were distributed.

“It made everyone’s day a little brighter, which is awesome for all of us who helped. We didn’t expect it to get this big at all,” Vedak said. “It’s the best thing I’ve woken up at 5:30 a.m. to do in awhile…probably ever.”

Right now, the movement has well over 400 mentions on Twitter. The accomplices say they’re not sure if they’ll do something like this again, but for now, they’re basking in their success.

But why Nicolas Cage?

“Why not?” Vedak said. “Everyone needs a little bit more Cage in their life.”