Why Nicolas Cage Turned Down The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix

Considering that his last several movies included The Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, Season of the Witch, Drive Angry, and Left Behind, people often wonder if Nicholas Cage is capable of turning down a role. Apparently he is, as this Oscar-winning actor rejected the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings and a part in The Matrix. 

Cage revealed this information in a Newsweek interview, stating, “There were different things going on in my life at the time that precluded me from being able to travel and be away from home for three years. There certainly were movies that I probably would have benefited from if circumstances in my life allowed me to make them.”

While Cage was unable to star in these eventual blockbusters due to other commitments, at least he got to enjoy them as a fan. “The thing is about those movies, I can watch them. I can enjoy them as an audience member. I don’t really watch my own movies. And so I genuinely do have the joy of watching these – especially with Lord of the Rings.”

Much like Cage as Superman, one can’t help but wonder what might have been if he took on the role of Aragorn. In any case, things certainly worked out well for Viggo Mortensen, who’s now iconic for playing the character.