Nicolas Cage has a high profile film on the books for 2021, and it might be his most difficult role to date: Nicolas Cage is playing Nicolas Cage. That's not a typo or a joke. Announced in November 2019, the 56-year-old has signed on to play himself in the upcoming drama, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Lionsgate announced that the film will get a March 19, 2021 release date, which is typically a sign that it's not being seen as an awards contender, but also, who cares? This is a film starring Nicolas Cage, playing Nicolas Cage. That's a treat in itself.

The actor, who stays incredibly busy putting out about five or six films a year, hasn't technically had a major theatrical release since about 2011. But if the plot description for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is any indication, then this one should pique the interest of filmgoers.



In short, the upcoming film stars Cage as Nicolas Cage, trying to land a role in a Quentin Tarantino movie, but also trying to repair the strained relationship with his daughter. The Hollywood Reporter reported a longer synopsis of the film, noting that Cage also stars as an egotistical version of his '90s self, in his heyday. The two share scenes together in the film. Strapped for cash, Fake Cage agrees to appear at a Mexican billionaire/giant fan's birthday party, but soon discovers that the man is a drug cartel kingpin who has kidnapped the daughter of a Mexican presidential hopeful.



Soon after, in an attempt to save this kidnap victim, stop a drug lord, and regain the affection of his own daughter and ex-wife, Fake Cage and this drug lord write a script that begins to mirror reality. The film is also said to include several references to past Nic Cage movies, and considering that the actor has become known for a whole slew of cult films, it seems that this one is a perfect homage to an insane career. I don't want to say that this is the defining film of our time, but this is more certainly the defining film of our time.

The script was written by Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten, though Gormican cites the script as a "love letter" to the actor, and less of a farce. When Gormican presented it to Cage, Cage agreed to step in as the star, making an already interesting project all the more exciting. Gormican is also reported to be directing the film, due out in early 2021.

The project is currently still in developmental stages, which means that if you're reading this Tom Gormican, please include a scene where Nic trades faces with himself to steal an important document, only to be hit by a logging truck driven by Meg Ryan. Thanks so much.

Justin Kirkland Justin Kirkland is a writer for Esquire, where he focuses on entertainment, television, and pop culture.

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