This article is part of a directory: Face/Off 2: Cast, Story Details & Everything We Know

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Nicolas Cage Shares Details of Face/Off 2 Story Pitch

Nicolas Cage has shared details about what the Face/Off sequel's storyline could look like if the film gets off the ground. The original Face/Off, which hit theaters in 1997, was an action film from iconic Hong Kong director John Woo starring Cage and John Travolta. The bizarre plot of the film followed the characters using advanced technology to switch faces in order for Travolta's FBI agent Sean Archer to go undercover as Cage's terrorist Castor Troy. The film was a success both critically and commercially, becoming the eighth highest-grossing domestic film of the year and eventually being nominated for an Oscar for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing.

Collider shared an interview with Cage, who made a splash as Dracula in the Renfield trailer. During their conversation, he discussed a pitch for Face/Off 2 that he heard in a meeting, though there was no follow-up. He describes the plot for the film as including the children of both Archer and Troy, allowing the film to indulge in even more face-swapping antics involving "four of us ping-ponging and going at different levels." Read his full quote below:

I think Face/Off is a sequel that lends itself to a lot of twists and turns and unpredictability. It's almost like if you factor in the idea of offspring and Castor and Sean having children and these children grow up, then it becomes like three-dimensional chess, and then it's not just the two, John Travolta and myself, it's four of us ping-ponging and going at different levels, and it becomes even more complex. I think there's a lot of fertile ground there. I had maybe one meeting in an office, but I haven't heard anything since, so I don't know.

Related: Every American John Woo Film Ranked From Worst to Best

Will Face/Off 2 Ever Happen?

Face/Off poster with John Travolta and Nic Cage

The sequel Face/Off 2 has existed in several different forms over the years, first popping up when it was announced to be in development in the Fall of 2019. At the time, the script was being written by The Cloverfield Paradox's Oren Uziel. While the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused many films that were in development to be delayed or scrapped, the film resurfaced in February 2021 when it was announced that Godzilla vs. Kong director Adam Wingard would be taking the helm, at which point it was announced that the film was intended to be a direct sequel.

Since 2021, not many updates have been shared about the film's progress, especially considering Wingard's commitments to the upcoming 2024 sequel Godzilla and Kong. While he has stated that he intends to have the film be a vehicle for Cage, they have had issues nailing the script down in exactly the way that they want. However, after these delays, it is unclear whether Cage's recent career renaissance could harm or hurt the chances for Face/Off to get a proper sequel.

The star's recent roles in films like Pig, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Renfield have certainly made his name much more of a commodity, which could help get the sequel made should he push for it. However, he is already attached to a half dozen upcoming projects including the action-comedy The Retirement Plan, which may impact his availability. However, the fact that he is willing to share Face/Off sequel details so casually may imply that he is excited by the prospect of returning to the world of the original film.

More: Every Nicolas Cage Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Source: Collider