Nicolas Cage’s new thriller, Best Pancakes in the County, has started filming in Arkansas, promising to add another compelling entry to his extensive filmography. Written and directed by Ken Sanzel, this action-packed movie features Cage alongside co-stars Justin Long and Shelley Hennig, with production handled by Beno Films and Caliwood Pictures.
Plot Focuses on a High-Stakes Diner Showdown
The story unfolds over a single night at a small-town diner, which becomes the center of a violent confrontation involving rogue federal agents, a clever con man played by Cage, and a waitress with hidden motives, portrayed by Hennig.
“Set over the course of one night at a small-town diner that becomes the epicenter of a deadly standoff involving rogue federal agents, a fast-talking con man with a dangerous past (Cage), and a waitress (Hennig) harboring secrets of her own. As loyalties blur and tensions erupt, survival depends on who can outthink – and outgun – everyone else,”
explains Deadline.
Recent Career Highlights and Collaborations
In 2024, Cage took on the role of a memorable horror villain in Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs, following appearances in Gunslingers and The Carpenter’s Son. He is also slated to return as the voice of Spider-Man Noir in the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse film and the Spider-Noir TV series. Cage’s upcoming projects include the biopic Madden, the satirical drama The Prince, and the crime thriller Lords of War.
Cage’s partnership with Justin Long in Best Pancakes in the County brings together actors known for horror and action genres. Long recently gained recognition for his role in Zach Cregger’s Barbarian and has appeared in Jeepers Creepers and Tusk. He also starred in action favorites like Live Free or Die Hard and Galaxy Quest. Shelley Hennig, another key cast member, is familiar to horror fans from Unfriended and Ouija, and is also recognized for her role as Malia Tate in the Teen Wolf series and its 2023 movie continuation.
Potential for a New Success Amid Past Challenges
While Cage’s recent films Gunslingers and The Carpenter’s Son faced disappointing reviews and box office results, Longlegs performed strongly, earning nearly $130 million. With Best Pancakes in the County already filming, there is hopeful anticipation it may release soon and become a fresh success for Cage and his co-stars, possibly hitting theaters next year.
