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“Why Don’t You Shave Your Head?”: Oscar-Winning Actor Nicolas Cage Unveils Michael Jordan Inspiration Nearly Made Him Take a Bold Step

Published 09/19/2022, 7:30 AM EDT

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In association with the release of his new film, ‘Butcher’s Crossing’, Nicolas Cage conducted a press tour. The movie is expected to premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. During an interview he conducted regarding the film, he discussed how the script caught his attention and how NBA legend Michael Jordan’s inspiration nearly made him take a bold step. 

It was interesting to hear about many aspects of the film and what inspired him to play this character. As the discussion continued, he explained how his gritty lead character came to life. And from whom he was inspired. 

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In his words, there are two people who inspired him. It was Marlon Brando’s performance in ‘Apocalypse Now!’ that inspired him first. The second was basketball legend Michael Jordan.

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Considering the story takes place back in 1870, one can ask what inspiration Jordan, who is a 1990s basketball player, is given to a story that has been around for more than a century. That is a question to which Cage has a very interesting answer. 

Nicolas Cage discusses how Michael Jordan inspired his character

Gabe Polsky not only directed the film but also wrote it. In the past, he has given some hits, including ‘The Motel Life’. The interview also featured Polsky sharing his thoughts. During the discussion of Jordan’s inspiration, Cage mentioned saying: “We all know the phenomenon, and the dynamic force, and the ambition, and the need to win of Michael Jordan.  [The director] was saying [to me] ‘Think about that, why don’t you shave your head?” 

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As further Polsky shared his views on the same aspects. “I think Michael Jordan [is the] greatest athlete ever, but there is kind of a – and he’ll say it himself, you know – a sort of dark side to [him],” According to Cage.

In this film, John Edward Williams’ 1960 novel serves as the basis for the story. As we can see from social media, fans have high expectations for this upcoming release. The film has not yet been released and the release date is yet to be confirmed. 

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Watch The Story: Bill Russell Net Worth: How Rich Was the NBA Legend as Compared to Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James? 

Are you excited about this film? What are your thoughts on it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. 

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Written by:

Anshika Rai

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Anshika Rai is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Anshika has been following NBA for many years now.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani