I guarantee at least one of the characters in the film has a wet dream about Nic Cage at some point…

Nicolas Cage has achieved something of a legend status in pop culture in recent years, his super-out-of-the-box and downright cooked performances matched by his equally whacky off-screen persona. As a result, he’s become one of Hollywood’s greatest living memes, and judging by the trailer for his new film Dream Scenario, it looks like he’s finally embracing the esteemed honour head-first.

Centred on a college professor (played by Cage) who becomes a global sensation through appearing in the dreams of strangers, the film dials up Cage’s inherent hilarity and absurdity by tenfold, as his character (who seems to be pretty much just him with a bald spot) takes it all in stride and begins to embrace his newfound fame. It makes for some hilarious moments, with Cage’s character hilariously pondering in a Zoom interview “Why me? Uh, I don’t know! I’m special, I guess” with the signature awkward smile that’s been the hearts of filmgoers and trolls alike since Cage’s big screen debut in Fast times at Ridgemont High in the early 80s.

Of course, there is a dark side to the R-rated film, with the dreams quickly going from good to terrifying as he seemingly becomes his town’s resident sleep paralysis demon. As a result, the tables are quickly turned as his once dedicated legion of fans morph into an angry mob, with retribution quickly being sought against the once beloved college professor.

It definitely sounds like exactly the sort of film Cage would star in, however, contrary to the various box office bombs he’s become synonymous with in the latter half of his film career, it seems the early reviews are indicating Dream Scenario to be a slam dunk, with the leading man’s “Uncommonly low-key performance” being at the centre of praise for the film. It’s a promising sign of what is hopefully a return of sorts for the Hollywood legend. Check out the full trailer below ahead of its release on November 10th.