Nicolas Cage Makes It Official: Actor Legally Changes Name to Nicolas Cage

The surname Cage was inspired by two distinct cultural figures. Cage cited the Marvel Comics superhero Luke Cage as an early influence.

"Den ich mochte in den Comics – ich fand einfach, er hat einen coolen Namen," he recalled. His avant-garde upbringing also played a role.

The Inspiration Behind 'Cage'

"Außerdem wuchs ich in einer sehr Avantgarde-, sehr künstlerischen Familie auf und es wurde über John Cage und seine experimentellen Kompositionen gesprochen," Cage added, referencing the influential American composer.

The actor kept his first name, Nicolas, as a tribute to his father, but noted a lifelong frustration with its spelling. "Ich dachte, ich behalte den Namen Nicolas, weil mein Vater mich so genannt hatte – mit der französischen Schreibweise, was mich immer frustrierte, weil jeder ein H ergänzt," he said.

Cage explained he was seeking a name with the brevity and impact of a classic Hollywood icon. He wanted something like James Dean – short and snappy.

A New Chapter with 'Spider-Man Noir'

The name change coincides with Cage's latest project. He currently stars as the title superhero in the Prime Video series 'Spider-Man Noir'.

The legal alteration formalizes a professional identity Cage has cultivated for decades. It underscores his desire to define his own legacy, separate from one of cinema's most famous dynasties.

Representatives for Cage did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment on the timing of the legal filing.

The interview with Variety covered multiple aspects of Cage's career and personal philosophy, with the name change emerging as a central theme.