The first trailer for the upcoming action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent has premiered online and it features actor Nicolas Cage in a role he was born to play.
The official synopsis from Lionsgate reads, "Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal)." Of course, the situation takes a turn when Cage is enlisted by a CIA operative played by Tiffany Haddish, which forces the revered actor to live up to his own legend. In order to save his loved ones, Cage must channel his "most iconic and beloved on-screen characters."
The new The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent trailer is packed with ridiculous moments, including Cage offering Pascal's character $25 thousand for a wax sculpture of himself. Cage's massive celebrity persona is emphasized throughout the trailer, as virtually every character who interacts with him gushes over the actor's accomplished career and talents. It's unclear what exactly happens at this birthday party, but it looks like Cage's on-screen counterpart is going to get into all kinds of trouble as he crashes through barricades and shoots bottles for target practice.
If there was ever an actor to play a fictionalized version of themselves in an action-comedy, it's Cage. The 57-year-old actor has been working in Hollywood for decades, even earning an Oscar for his performance in Leaving Las Vegas. However, in the modern digital age, Cage has become something of an internet phenomenon. He's developed a reputation for taking on some of the most ridiculous and over-the-top roles of any living actor. As a result, he has garnered a devoted fanbase that appreciates his intense commitment and larger-than-life persona.
Despite this track record, Cage has also shown that he is indeed a talented and thought-provoking actor. This year Cage starred in the surprise hit Pig, where he played a retired chef who goes on a journey through New York's culinary underworld after someone steals his beloved truffle pig. While many believed the film would simply be a clone of the Kenau Reeves action franchise John Wick, fans were surprised and delighted by Cage's incredibly soulful performance and the film's delicate and emotional approach to the material.
That being said, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent looks like it's going to take full advantage of Cage's comedic reputation and action-heavy resume. Cage has starred in dozens of action films, some of which are even mentioned in the trailer, including the Michael Bay Alcatraz caper The Rock and the 1997 action film Con Air. Cage was also recently cast as Dracula in the upcoming Universal Monster film Renfield.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is set to premiere in theatres on April 22nd, 2022.
Source: Lionsgate Movies | Youtube