Nicolas Cage has revealed that watching the acclaimed AMC drama Breaking Bad during the COVID-19 pandemic completely transformed his outlook on television roles. In a recent interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor explained that he had previously avoided television work due to concerns about it feeling 'homogenised'. However, after binge-watching Breaking Bad, he realised the medium offered what he described as the 'luxury of time'—a depth and character development that films often cannot provide.
From Film to Streaming Superhero
Cage now stars in Marvel's live-action series Spider-Noir, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in the UK. He portrays an ageing private investigator and superhero named Ben Reilly, a character he previously voiced in animated projects. The actor drew inspiration for his performance from classic film noir icons such as Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney, blending their gritty, world-weary demeanour with the superhero genre's fantastical elements.
A New Perspective on Television
'Watching Breaking Bad showed me that television could be just as rich and compelling as cinema,' Cage told Variety. 'It gave me the confidence to explore roles that require more time to unfold.' The actor's shift reflects a broader trend of Hollywood stars moving to streaming series, which often allow for more nuanced storytelling over multiple episodes.
Spider-Noir is now available to stream in its entirety on Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom. The series has been praised for its stylistic approach and Cage's committed performance, marking a significant milestone in his career pivot towards long-form television.
