Nicholas Cage will star as Nicholas Cage in a film titled The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. One of the most recognized actors of his time, Nicholas Cage’s career has spanned three decades with roles in iconic films, including Adaptation, National Treasure, Face/Off, and Leaving Las Vegas - the film which snagged him an Oscar win. Noted for his eccentric personality, Cage has developed a reputation in show business for his extreme method acting. Occasions of Cage plunging into experiences to relate to his onscreen character have included adopting a steak-only diet for months, removing teeth without anesthesia, and snorting saccharine to embrace the mindset of a drug addict.

The Con Air star’s quirky style of perfecting his craft has also translated to his personal life. Once considered one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, Cage has spent his fortune on dinosaur skulls, two European castles, the first Superman comic, and a search for the Holy Grail. Following a stint of successful films, Cage’s career hit a stale period, with the National Treasure star’s last major studio release being 2011’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Now, Cage is scoping out a comeback and plans to bankroll a film based on his life.

Related: National Treasure 3: Why The Sequel Has Not Happened Yet

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Cage is in talks to play himself in a new meta-drama about Nicholas Cage. Nodding to Cage’s blockbuster films such as Gone in 60 Seconds, Unbearable Weight will follow "Cage" who has reached rock-bottom. Fervently trying to land a role in the latest Quentin Tarantino film, reconnect with his teenage daughter, and also overcome horrendous debt, in the film Cage will have internal conversations with a ‘90s movie star version of himself. "Cage" agrees to meet with a billionaire from Mexico who wants to cast him in a project, but chaos ensues when he learns the billionaire is a drug kingpin and is then recruited by the CIA to bring the dealer down.

Initially, Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was written without Cage’s knowledge. Penned by Tom Gormican (Ghosted) and Kevin Etten (Euphoria), the script was written as a sample script but quickly garnered the interest of production companies. Gormican, who is set to direct the film, sent the script to Cage with a note and the star signed on produce. Following a bidding war with HBO Max and Paramount, Lionsgate has since won the rights to the film but has yet to set a release date.

Cage’s career continues to have highs and lows, but there is no denying the actor is constantly looking for his next mark. Attaching to a project where he portrays himself is not uncharacteristic of Cage given his history, and it's possible he could find success with this wild new project. Doubling as Cage’s memoir, the film will certainly be a challenge, and one role the actor has definitely not tackled before. Overall, it remains to be seen what tactics Cage will use to get into character for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

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Source: THR