Nicolas Cage Faces High-Stakes Showdown in New Action Thriller
Nicolas Cage stars in 'Best Pancakes in the County,' a tense action-thriller set in a small-town diner, with Shelley Hennig and Justin Long joining the cast. Filming is underway in Arkansas, promising a gripping cinematic experience.
If you think you’ve seen Nicolas Cage in every kind of action role, think again. The Academy Award winner is back in the spotlight, leading the cast of 'Best Pancakes in the County,' a pulse-pounding thriller that unfolds over a single, dangerous night in a rural eatery. Cage takes on the role of a quick-witted con artist who finds himself trapped in a deadly standoff, where every move could be his last.
Set in a quiet town, the story centers on a diner that becomes ground zero for a violent confrontation. The night spirals out of control as rogue federal agents, a mysterious waitress, and a man with a checkered past collide. Loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and survival depends on who can outsmart—and outshoot—the rest. In this place, the pancakes might be famous, but they’re far from the most explosive thing on the menu.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Details
Shelley Hennig, known for her role in 'Ouija,' steps into the shoes of the enigmatic waitress, while Justin Long, recognized for his performance in 'Barbarian,' joins the ensemble in a role that’s still under wraps. The film is currently being shot in Arkansas, providing an authentic backdrop for the small-town drama. With production already underway, anticipation is building for what could be a major theatrical release.
Fortitude International is managing global sales, and the movie is expected to make waves at the upcoming European Film Market. The creative team behind the project includes director and writer Ken Sanzel, praised by producers as a true visionary. The producing lineup features Raja Collins, Eduard Osipov of Beno Films, Eric Brenner, and Niko Fomenko and R. Wesley Sierk III from Caliwood Pictures. Executive producers include John D. Straley, Audra Gricius, Jina Panebianco, Lance Kawas, Ahmed S. Boomrod, Eugene Pruss, and Nadine de Barros.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with the iconic Cage, guided by the visionary Ken Sanzel,”
the team shared, highlighting their excitement for this high-energy, witty adventure.
Director’s Track Record and Cage’s Career Revival
Ken Sanzel brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked on a range of popular network crime dramas and gritty action films. His television credits include executive producing and directing for series like 'Numb3rs,' 'NYC 22,' and the long-running 'Blue Bloods.' On the big screen, Sanzel has helmed projects such as 'Blunt Force Trauma ' and 'Kill Chain,' the latter reuniting him with Cage, who played a mercenary-turned-hotel owner named Araña.
This new collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Cage, who has recently experienced a resurgence in his career. After a period of less notable projects, he’s returned to form with a string of acclaimed indie films and successful studio releases. 'Best Pancakes in the County' marks another chapter in his ongoing evolution as one of Hollywood ’s most unpredictable and compelling stars.