Surprising Nicolas Cage Sequels: Why I’m Baffled That This One Is Actually Being Made

The new sequel to Nicolas Cage’s critically acclaimed arms-trafficking film, Lord of War, is set to commence shooting soon. However, there are numerous other sequels featuring Cage that many fans are eager to see first. Lately, Cage has been enjoying a resurgence in his career, taking on a variety of intriguing roles that showcase his versatile acting skills. He has delivered haunting performances, like his portrayal of a sadistic, Satanic serial killer in Longlegs, while also impressing with his comedic timing in the self-referential The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Several of Cage’s earlier films earned a place in cinematic history and merit a sequel. Many fans would love to see him revisit beloved comedic roles or some of those classic action films from the 1990s that could benefit from a modern reboot. While the upcoming sequel to Lord of War intrigues, perhaps there are more deserving franchises in Cage’s filmography that could capture audiences’ attention first.

Nicolas Cage’s Lord of War is Getting a Sequel

Lords of War is Set to Begin Shooting Next Year

Nicolas Cage and Jared Leto against an American flag in Lord of War

The follow-up to Cage’s influential crime drama, now titled Lords of War, has been in the works for several years. Although initial plans to begin filming in fall 2023 fell through, Bill Skarsgård recently provided encouraging news regarding the project. Cage will reprise his iconic role as Yuri Orlov, the Ukrainian-American arms dealer, with Skarsgård co-starring as Orlov’s son and also taking on the role of executive producer.

Skarsgård has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Cage, confirming that Lords of War aims to maintain the same bleak, challenging, and darkly satirical tone that resonated in the first film. The original Lord of War is particularly known for its striking opening shot, which follows a bullet from its manufacturing to its tragic destination—a child soldier. The film’s dark humor and compelling editing make it a powerful commentary on the arms trafficking industry, comparable to what Goodfellas achieved for the mafia.

Other Nicolas Cage Sequels I’d Prefer Before Lord of War

National Treasure 3 for Starters

While Lords of War poses an exciting prospect—particularly considering the father-son dynamic between Cage and Skarsgård—the multitude of other Cage sequels is even more enticing. Leading the list is a long-awaited National Treasure 3. This action-adventure franchise expertly blends exciting narrative with American historical intrigue, making it prime for a new installment.

I am also eager to see a spin-off focused on Cage’s character Big Daddy from Kick-Ass, alongside the prospect of a third The Croods film. Revisiting The Rock could offer a new angle, with Cage stepping into the role of a seasoned mentor instead of a rookie. Additionally, there’s been talk of a sequel to Face/Off, which has lingered in development limbo for years—an endeavor I would prefer them to pursue rather than moving ahead with Lord of War.

Why a Lord of War Sequel Could Actually Work

Its Themes Are Sadly Still Relevant

Nicolas Cage sits with a machine gun in Lord of War

Despite my enthusiasm for other sequels, the idea of Lords of War has merit. Over the past two decades, the world has significantly evolved, and the political themes portrayed in the original film remain alarmingly relevant. This narrative centers around the shady corporate magnates who exploit the chaos of warfare for profit. Present-day conflicts—from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine to the complexities of Israel and Palestine—underscore the urgent relevance of its themes, highlighted by the sordid arms trade at play today.

The original Lord of War offered commentary on the Iraq War, and if Lords of War reflects today’s geopolitical issues, it could compellingly justify its existence. It’s crucial that this sequel doesn’t simply restate the points made in its predecessor; it must provide a fresh perspective on how the arms industry has evolved. While the original was a striking film, a sequel presents an opportunity to enhance character development and clarify its moral positioning.

Source & Images