A major loss for cinema: Is the star set to retire?

Rumors have been swirling that the star, Nicolas Cage, whose sparkle seemed to have faded long ago, is contemplating retirement. Despite taking on several critically acclaimed roles recently, reintroducing us to his immense talent, the renowned actor hints at the possibility of a looming career halt. As he currently promotes his latest film, he suggests an imminent end to his acting journey.

This year alone, Cage, nearing his 60s and nephew to the illustrious Francis Ford Coppola, has starred in five films. He portrayed Dracula in "Renfield", directed by Chris McKay; made a swift cameo as Superman in Andy Muschietti's "Flash"; and graced the screens in Yuval Adler's "Diabolical Ride" and Tim Brown's "Retirement Plan" (Cineman rental). Despite these endeavors not hitting blockbuster statistics, the question arises: Is this perceived lack of success fueling Cage's decision to retire?

"Dream Scenario", a comedy directed by Kristoffer Borgli, is yet to be released in Poland. This film has been showered with positive reviews since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Its current "freshness" score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the percentage of critics who gave it favorable ratings, is an astounding 92%.

During the film's promotional tour, Cage sat down with Variety magazine and revealed his plans to retire soon. He believes he only has three to four films left in his acting reservoir.

"I feel like I have accomplished everything I wanted and voiced all I had to express. I don't want my choice of future films to lead me down a path ending on a sour note. I'd like to bow out gracefully," he shared. The well-received "Dream Scenario" might just offer him this elegant exit.

However, being selective with his projects doesn't indicate Cage is averse to risks. The 1996 Oscar laureate for his leading role in "Leaving Las Vegas", directed by Mike Figgis, is eagerly awaiting new challenges. Surprisingly, he hasn't ventured into TV series roles yet, but he plans to change that.

Cage's 60th birthday is on the horizon, and it has provoked introspection on his life and achievements. "My father passed at 75. By my reckoning, I have 15 years remaining. Hopefully more. I've been pondering what I desire to accomplish in these years. I aspire to be as happy as my father, who had three children. It's evident to me that family is my utmost priority. My career's end signifies the initiation of this chapter," he confessed to Variety.

In February 2021, Cage tied the knot for the fourth time in Las Vegas. His current spouse, the considerably younger Riko Shibatà, and he first met on the set of Sion Sono's "Prisoners of the Ghostland." He proposed amidst a pandemic... online. The couple share a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, while Cage also has two sons, 33-year-old Weston and 18-year-old Kal-El, from previous relationships.