Nicolas Cage stars in the upcoming Nicolas Cage action thriller, Best Pancakes in the County, which unfolds during a tense night in a small-town diner. Filming is currently taking place in Arkansas, as the story pits a cunning con man against rogue federal agents in a standoff that threatens to explode into chaos.
A High-Stakes Encounter in a Small-Town Diner
Best Pancakes in the County centers on a single night inside an unassuming diner that becomes the battleground for a dangerous confrontation. Cage plays a fast-talking con man whose past catches up with him when federal agents arrive, sparking a life-or-death standoff. Among those caught in the midst is a waitress, played by Shelley Hennig, who carries her own hidden secrets. As the night progresses, shifting alliances and mounting tensions make survival a test of wit, deception, and firepower. The film promises an intense thriller where even the famously “best pancakes in the county” are overshadowed by the violence around them.
Strong Ensemble Cast Bolsters Tension
Joining Cage and Hennig is Justin Long, known for his role in Barbarian, cast in a yet-to-be-revealed part. The collective cast adds depth to the confined but volatile setting, heightening the suspense throughout the film. Shooting is well underway, even though the project has flown under the radar until now. Fortitude International is overseeing global distribution and plans to showcase the film at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM), signaling confidence in the project’s worldwide potential.
Visionary Direction Behind the Project
Ken Sanzel, acclaimed for his work on crime dramas and adrenaline-fueled films, both wrote and directed Best Pancakes in the County. His experience includes producing and directing episodes of series like Numb3rs, NYC 22, and the long-running Blue Bloods, along with feature films such as Blunt Force Trauma and Kill Chain. The latter also starred Nicolas Cage, marking this collaboration as the actors’ second partnership. The producers praised Sanzel’s direction and expressed enthusiasm for reuniting with Cage.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with the iconic Cage, guided by the visionary Ken Sanzel,”
the production team stated.
“This action-packed, fast-paced adventure with wit and intensity is set to captivate audiences worldwide.”
The producing team includes Raja Collins, Eduard Osipov of Beno Films, Eric Brenner, and Niko Fomenko alongside R. Wesley Sierk III of Caliwood Pictures. Executive producers from Caliwood and Fortitude International also contribute to bringing the film to life.
Renewed Career Momentum for Nicolas Cage
Best Pancakes in the County arrives during a notable resurgence in Cage’s career, during which he has shifted from lesser-known features to acclaimed indie productions and major studio releases. Reuniting with Sanzel reflects Cage’s continuing efforts to choose challenging and impactful roles. The film’s confined setting and urgent narrative are well suited for Cage’s dynamic style, promising a gripping addition to his extensive list of action projects from the 1990s classics like The Rock, Face/Off, and Con Air.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Release
With production underway in Arkansas and international sales handled by Fortitude International, anticipation is growing for Best Pancakes in the County’s premiere on the festival circuit and potentially theatrical launch. The film’s premise—a heated standoff coupled with layered characters trapped in a small space—holds significant appeal for fans of tense, character-driven thrillers. As the story unfolds, audiences will likely experience the restless energy and struggle for control that define this high-stakes encounter.
