One of Nicolas Cage’s most memorable and often-memed films, The Wicker Man, may actually be the perfect career segue for the actor, and give Cage a chance to make a perfect horror movie connection. The Wicker Man, a 2006 remake of the 1973 film of the same name, has often been categorized as laughably bad, generating several now-iconic memes including “Not the Bees,” and “How’d It Get Burned.” However, despite its comedically bad reception, The Wicker Man’s folk-horror-inspired setting might be the perfect talking point for Cage to work with a director he’s recently discussed wanting to develop a project with.
Semi-recently, Nic Cage shortlisted a variety of directors he’d like to work with in the future. Just one of these directors was Ari Aster, director of acclaimed horror films like the grief-stricken Hereditary and his upcoming horror flick Disappointment Boulevard. However, it’s actually Aster’s more recent film Midsommar that could prove to be the perfect connection between the horror auteur and Nicolas Cage.
Even though the film was often campy and over-the-top, The Wicker Man proves that Nic Cage has a taste for (and experience with) folk horror-style films, similar to Midsommar. Midsommar, which explores an idyllic Swedish harvest festival with a dark underbelly, also borrows from tropes of folk horror, as well as cult horror (a favorite motif of Aster’s). And though The Wicker Man missed the mark on these elements, a partnership between Cage and Aster could give horror fans a spiritual sequel to The Wicker Man that could combine all of Cage’s campy persona with an elevated, A24 feel.
Though Midsommar may do so more successfully, both The Wicker Man and Midsommar delve into shared folk horror symbols and motifs often found throughout folk horror films. Both films deal with cultish paganism and animalistic violence (see “Not the Bees” or Midsommar’s Bear Skin Suit), and both have a multi-layered mystery at their center. Folk horror motifs are also becoming increasingly popular in the horror landscape - with The Witch and Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin being two recent prime examples. If Cage is serious about wanting to work with Aster, having the two team up to do another folk horror film could be a match made in heaven.
Additionally, Aster has a history as of late of headlining his horror films with A-list actors and actresses. Though Florence Pugh’s role in the subversive horror flick Midsommar was more of a breakout performance, both Hereditary and Aster’s upcoming film Disappointment Boulevard showcase the acting chops of stars like Toni Collette and Joaquin Phoenix, respectively. Because of Aster’s history of platforming great performances for his cast, it’s no wonder Cage seems eager to develop a project with Aster.
Despite its positioning as a cult-camp classic, The Wicker Man’s infamy has undoubtedly positioned Nicolas Cage to bridge the gap between himself and Aster. Additionally, with the intrigue and hype surrounding Cage’s most recent film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, this might be the perfect time in Cage’s career for a sharp rebrand. And, the perfect person to help rebrand Nicolas Cage from his performance in The Wicker Man might be Ari Aster.