Nicolas Cage recently shared insights into his career decisions, revealing that he declined roles in two major franchise films. In an interview with Complex News, the 62-year-old actor discussed how he prioritized roles that aligned with his personal and professional desires at the time.

Cage mentioned two specific instances where he chose between roles, deciding against participating in franchises. He stated, “One was when Jim Carrey wanted me to do ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and I said I’d rather do ‘Leaving Las Vegas,’ and the other was ‘Spider-Man’ as the Green Goblin and I said I’d rather do ‘Adaptation.’ Both those choices gave me more to do as an actor.”

Ultimately, Jeff Daniels starred as Harry Dunne in “Dumb and Dumber” and its sequel. Willem Dafoe took on the role of the Green Goblin in “Spider-Man” and continued in the sequels and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Cage emphasized that his choices reflected what was better for him at the time, adding, “I think I made the right choice.”

In “Adaptation,” Cage faced the challenge of playing twin brothers, a role he found both daunting and rewarding. He reflected, “To play twins in a movie was a big challenge and daunting and I don’t know if I could do it again. It was a lot.” His role in “Leaving Las Vegas” earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, reinforcing his decision.

While preparing for his upcoming film “The Surfer,” Cage discussed his experience with Entertainment Weekly. He recounted a harrowing moment while practicing surfing, “I just got pounded and literally got stuck in the rip tide…I could have died…Now I have a young kid, I don’t know if I want to do it anymore.” Cage is a father to three children: Weston, Kal-El, and August Francesca, with different partners.

Cage’s commitment to family has influenced his career choices. In previous interviews, he explained how he turned down roles in “Lord of the Rings” and “The Matrix” to stay closer to his children. He told People in April 2022, “There’s no version of Nick Cage that didn’t put family first over career.” Cage declined these roles to avoid being away from his son Weston for extended periods while filming abroad.

Lori Bashian, an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.