Nicolas Cage Says He's 'Probably Not' Working With Amazon Again

Actor Nicolas Cage has publicly criticized Amazon following a dispute over artificial intelligence waivers during the production of the Prime Video series "Spider-Noir." Speaking at a panel on the Empire Stage at New York Comic Con, Cage shared details about his experience working with the studio and his firm stance against the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

The controversy arose when Amazon allegedly asked Cage to sign an AI waiver for the superhero series. Cage made it clear that he declined to sign the document, noting that Amazon has deeply invested in AI technologies through its financial backing of OpenAI. By refusing to sign the waiver, Cage openly distanced himself from the studio's technological direction.

During the Comic Con panel, Cage did not mince words regarding his future relationship with the company. He stated that he is not an AI-friendly actor and humorously suggested that connecting the dots makes it obvious he is not part of their corporate club. He added that he is probably not going to work with that studio again, though he expressed peace with that outcome.

The friction over AI comes on the heels of surprising industry news regarding "Spider-Noir." Despite earning 11 Emmy nominations and racking up 2.6 billion minutes viewed in its first six weeks, Amazon abruptly canceled the series after just one season. The cancellation shocked many industry observers and fans, especially given the show's critical acclaim and high viewership during its initial run.

Despite the friction with major streaming studios, Cage remains enthusiastic about the future of filmmaking. He expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the rising generation of Gen-Z directors who are forging their own paths outside the traditional studio system. Cage specifically highlighted young talent like "Backrooms" director Kane Parsons, praising creators who build their careers from scratch and by hand through independent platforms like YouTube.

Looking ahead, Cage remains open to television projects despite the abrupt end of his first major TV starring role in "Spider-Noir." His steadfast opposition to artificial intelligence in entertainment highlights a growing tension between traditional performers and major tech conglomerates investing heavily in automated production tools. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the integration of AI, prominent actors taking a stand could reshape how studios negotiate contracts and creative controls moving forward.