Nicolas Cage’s Brush with Death: Surfing Mishap Sparks Retirement Contemplations
Nicolas Cage, the celebrated actor renowned for his eccentric performances and prolific career, recently recounted a harrowing near-death experience while preparing for his role in the upcoming film, "The Surfer." The 61-year-old actor revealed that a surfing session, intended to hone his skills for the movie, quickly turned perilous, leaving him shaken and contemplating his future in the film industry.
Cage, who portrays a businessman returning to his Australian roots in "The Surfer," shared the details of the incident with Entertainment Weekly. He described how his attempts to conquer the waves at Sunset Beach nearly ended in tragedy. Despite having some prior surfing experience, Cage found himself overwhelmed by the powerful ocean currents.
"I have surfed, but every time I’ve attempted surfing, I’ve been pounded to smithereens," Cage admitted, highlighting the challenges he faced while trying to master the sport. In an effort to expedite his learning process, Cage’s instructor provided him with a short board, a decision that he now regrets.
"I said, ‘Look, I want a long board,’" Cage recalled, expressing his preference for a more stable and beginner-friendly surfboard. Ignoring his intuition, Cage proceeded with the short board, a choice that would soon prove to be a grave mistake.
As he paddled into the waves, Cage quickly found himself caught in a treacherous rip tide, a powerful current that pulls swimmers away from the shore. The force of the water was overwhelming, and Cage was tossed around violently.
"I just got pounded and literally got stuck in the rip tide," Cage explained, vividly describing the chaos of the situation. To make matters worse, his surfboard became submerged, with only the tip protruding from the water.
"They said they saw my board, they call it ‘tombstone,’ like that triangle top," Cage recounted, referring to the ominous sight of his board sticking upright, resembling a grave marker. Desperate to escape the churning water, Cage attempted to climb up the leash that connected him to the board.
"I’m climbing up the leash as I’m somersaulting, and I could have died," Cage confessed, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He realized that he was in grave danger and that his life was hanging in the balance.
The near-death experience has had a profound impact on Cage, particularly given his recent entry into fatherhood. With a young child to care for, Cage is now questioning the risks he is willing to take for his craft.
"Now I have a young kid, I don’t know if I want to do it anymore," Cage reflected, hinting at a possible shift in his priorities. The incident has prompted him to reevaluate his commitment to acting and to consider a more peaceful and less hazardous lifestyle.
Cage’s surfing mishap comes at a time when he has already been contemplating retirement from acting. In an interview with Uproxx in 2023, Cage expressed his desire to conclude his career on a high note after 45 years in the industry and over 100 films.
"I feel that I’ve, at this point, after 45 years of doing this, that in over 100 movies, I feel I’ve pretty much said what I’ve had to say with cinema. And I’d like to leave on a high note and say adios," Cage stated, revealing his longing for a graceful exit from the world of filmmaking.
Cage envisions transitioning to other forms of artistic expression after fulfilling his remaining contractual obligations. He hopes to explore different formats and mediums that will allow him to continue showcasing his talents in new and exciting ways.
"I think I have to do maybe three or four more movies before I can get there and then hopefully switch formats and go into some other way of expressing my acting," Cage explained, outlining his plans for the future.
While Cage had hoped to conclude his career with films like "Dream Scenario," he acknowledges that he must first honor his existing commitments.
"I would’ve liked to have left on a high note, like ‘Dream Scenario.’ But I have other contracts that I have to fulfill, so we’ll see what happens," Cage admitted, recognizing the constraints of his contractual obligations.
Moving forward, Cage intends to be highly selective about the roles he chooses, ensuring that each project aligns with his artistic vision and allows him to explore new creative avenues.
"I am going to be very severe and very [stringent] on the selection process moving forward. But for me to do another movie, I do want to explore other formats," Cage emphasized, underscoring his commitment to making thoughtful and deliberate choices about his future projects.
Ultimately, Cage’s goal is to retire from acting and embrace a more relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle. He dreams of spending his days surfing, indulging in fine wines, and savoring delicious meals.
"The goal is to retire, surf, drink red wine and eat spaghetti," Cage declared, painting a picture of his ideal retirement. The near-death experience has only reinforced his desire to pursue this vision and to prioritize his well-being and happiness.
Cage’s surfing incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in filmmaking and the importance of taking precautions to ensure safety. It has also prompted him to reflect on his career and to consider what truly matters to him as he enters a new chapter in his life. As he contemplates retirement and explores new artistic pursuits, Nicolas Cage remains a captivating and enigmatic figure in the world of entertainment.
