Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Nicolas Cage had two pet king cobras and they kept trying to kill him

‘They would try to hypnotise me by showing me their backs, and then they’d lunge at me,’ said the actor

Ellie Harrison
Wednesday 07 August 2019 16:42 BST
Comments
Nicolas Cage makes a cameo in 1988 film 'Never on Tuesday'

Nicolas Cage has revealed that not only did the two pet king cobras he used to have as pets try to kill him – but they also influenced his acting.

The actor told The New York Times: “I did have two king cobras, and they were not happy. They would try to hypnotise me by showing me their backs, and then they’d lunge at me.”

Cage then revealed that he had to have the snakes re-homed in a zoo after he spoke about themon the Late Show with David Letterman, because “the neighbourhood wasn’t too pleased that I had cobras”.

On whether animals have ever influenced his acting, he confessed: “The cobras, definitely. They would try to hypnotise you by going side to side, and when I did Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, that’s something my character does before he attacks.”

He added: “Animals are fun places to get inspiration. Actually, I thought Heath Ledger was doing some reptilian stuff as the Joker, with the tongue darting out all the time.”

In the long and digressive interview, Cage also spoke about his pet cat who kept trying to eat the magic mushrooms he stored in his fridge. “He loved it. Then I started going, ‘I guess I’ll do it,’” said Cage. “It was a peaceful and beautiful experience. But I subsequently threw them out.”

Cage is currently starring as an ex-con seeking revenge in A Score to Settle

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in