When it comes to Nicolas Cage, you can always expect the unexpected. Known for his bold and unpredictable roles, the actor recently opened up about characters he would love to play while speaking to MovieWeb’s George Edelman about his new movie The Surfer — and they’re as intriguing as his career choices. First on his list? Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
“I’ve always had a deep connection with the ocean, so I’d love to portray Captain Nemo. There’s something profound about his solitude and his passion for the sea,” Cage explained.
But that’s not all. Cage also expressed a strong desire to embody the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

"Beethoven was one of the first to truly channel emotion through music, and I’m fascinated by that idea," he said, adding that he feels a deep respect for the way the composer conveyed his internal struggles through his work.
And then there’s the intriguing possibility of playing Fyodor Dostoevsky. Cage revealed that he’s always been drawn to the writer’s works, constantly trying to understand what lies behind his words. He mentioned that stepping into Dostoevsky’s shoes would be a fascinating challenge for him.

Cage’s dream roles reveal much about the actor’s depth and willingness to dive into complex, multifaceted characters — characters that, much like him, are never afraid to defy expectations.