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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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