Nicolas Cage regrets never playing golf with Sir Sean Connery
Synopsis
Nicolas Cage has revealed a lingering personal regret: he never accepted Sir Sean Connery's repeated invitations to play golf. Speaking at New York Comic Con, the 62-year-old recalled how his love of fishing kept him away — and how, years after Connery's 2020 death, he still wishes he had said yes.
Key Takeaways
Nicolas Cage publicly shared his regret at never playing golf with Sir Sean Connery , speaking at New York Comic Con .
The two actors formed a close friendship while co-starring in 'The Rock' ( 1996 ).
Sir Sean Connery died in 2020 at the age of 90 .
Cage said Connery repeatedly invited him to play golf, but he chose fishing and time on his boat instead.
Cage also criticised the MCU , calling it a 'well-funded and glorified WWE,' despite having played Ghost Rider and appearing in 'Spider-Noir' .
Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage has opened up about a personal regret that has stayed with him years after the death of his friend and co-star, Sir Sean Connery — he never took Connery up on his standing invitation to play golf together.
A Friendship Forged on Set
The two actors developed what Cage describes as a 'great relationship' after starring together in the 1996 action thriller 'The Rock'. Despite the camaraderie they shared on screen and off, the friendship never extended to the golf course, something Cage now wishes had been different. Sir Sean Connery, widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, passed away in 2020 at the age of 90.
What Cage Said at New York Comic Con
Speaking during a spotlight panel at New York Comic Con, the 62-year-old actor was candid about the missed opportunity. 'I was all about fishing (at the time), and I like being on my boat. And Sean wanted to get me on the golf course. He was somebody that I considered a friend. We were friends,' Cage said.
He elaborated further: 'I would visit him at his house. But I never went on the golf course because I just didn't have time for that. I just wanted to be on my boat. I just… when I had my free time, I wanted to go fishing. And I feel to this day that I should have taken him up on it and learned how to play golf.'
Cage's Broader Thoughts on Marvel
Separately, Cage also shared pointed views on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), suggesting it is becoming a 'well-funded and glorified WWE' — a remark that drew considerable attention given his own involvement with the franchise. The actor has played Ghost Rider in the 2007 film of the same name and its 2012 sequel 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance', and more recently appeared as the titular character in the Marvel series 'Spider-Noir'. In his view, the franchise has lost much of its former appeal by over-prioritising action sequences at the expense of storytelling depth.
The Legacy of Connery and Cage's Tribute
Connery remains one of the most celebrated actors in cinema history, best known for defining the James Bond character across seven films from 1962 to 1983. His friendship with Cage, though largely private, speaks to a bond that transcended their shared work on 'The Rock'. Cage's public reflection serves as an informal tribute — a reminder, as he frames it, to never let the routine crowd out the moments that matter.
Point of View
Years after Connery's death, suggests the regret is genuine rather than performed. His simultaneous critique of the MCU as a 'glorified WWE' is the sharper news peg: coming from someone actively embedded in the franchise, it carries more weight than an outsider's dismissal, and points to a widening gap between legacy Marvel talent and the direction the universe is heading.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nicolas Cage say about Sir Sean Connery at New York Comic Con?
Nicolas Cage said he regrets never playing golf with Sir Sean Connery, who had repeatedly invited him. Cage explained that during his free time he preferred fishing on his boat, and now wishes he had accepted the invitation before Connery's death in 2020.
How did Nicolas Cage and Sir Sean Connery become friends?
The two actors developed a close friendship after co-starring in the 1996 action thriller 'The Rock.' Cage described Connery as a genuine friend, saying he would visit him at his house on multiple occasions.
When did Sir Sean Connery pass away?
Sir Sean Connery died in 2020 at the age of 90. He is best remembered for playing James Bond across seven films between 1962 and 1983.
What did Nicolas Cage say about the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Cage described the MCU as a 'well-funded and glorified WWE,' suggesting the franchise has become too focused on action at the expense of storytelling. He has himself appeared in Marvel projects, including Ghost Rider (2007), its 2012 sequel, and the recent series 'Spider-Noir.'
What is 'Spider-Noir' and what is Nicolas Cage's role in it?
'Spider-Noir' is a recently released Marvel series in which Nicolas Cage plays the titular character. It marks his return to the MCU following his earlier appearances as Ghost Rider.
