Nicolas Cage Discusses Internet Jokes, ‘The Wicker Man’

Nicolas Cage is aware that the internet is having a laugh at this expense.

Thanks to his peculiar choice of roles and his frequent over-the-top performances, the Ghost Rider star has become the butt of several jokes. Although you’d think this constant teasing would wear on the actor, Cage doesn’t really seem to have a problem with it.

During his recent interview with The Guardian, Nicolas Cage revealed that he’s not a stick in the mud when it comes to the countless videos and internet memes centered around his performances. The actor seems to take the light-hearted ribbing in stride.

“The internet has developed this thing about me — and I’m not even a computer guy, you know? I don’t know why it is happening. I’m trying not to… lemme say this: I’m now of the mindset that, when in Rome, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” Cage explained.

One film that the internet can’t seem to get enough of is director Neil LaBute’s 2006 horror flick The Wicker Man. Cage stars as a sheriff who stumbles across a pagan community while searching for a missing girl.

Although people often have a laugh at Nicolas Cage’s reaction to having bees placed over his head, the actor appears to have a fondness for the critically panned movie.

“The issue with ‘The Wicker Man’ is there’s a need by some folks in the media to think that we’re not in on the joke. But you don’t go around doing the things that character does — in a bear suit — and not know it’s absurd. It is absurd,” the actor explained to the publication.

He added, “The fact that that movie has been so lambasted means there’s an inner trembling and power to that movie. It has become an electromagnetic movie! And so I love it.”

Cage’s latest endeavor, Scott Walker’s The Frozen Ground, finds the prolific actor starring alongside John Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens. The film will arrive in theaters and VOD on August 23.

Are you surprised that Nicolas Cage is “in on the joke”?

[Top Image via Warner Bros. Pictures]