'I'm sorry I did it at all': Nicolas Cage expresses remorse over eating cockroach in 'Vampire's Kiss'

Nicolas Cage opens up on taking things too far in the 1988 movie 'Vampire's Kiss'
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2023
Nicolas Cage is sorry  for eating cockroach in 'Vampire's Kiss' (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Nicolas Cage is sorry for eating cockroach in 'Vampire's Kiss' (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: When an actor plays a character, they try to live up to that. They go to extreme measures for that one role. Nicolas Cage is on the list of such actors. In Robert Bierman's 1988 horror satire 'Vampire's Kiss', Cage delivered one of his most iconic monologues and his performance in the movie stands out. The film follows Peter Loew (Cage), a businessman who believes he is becoming a vampire after being bitten in the neck by a woman named Rachel.

In a recent interview, while promoting his new film 'Renfield', which also stars Nicholas Hoult, Cage revealed taking things too far in the 1988 movie. He confessed to eating a real cockroach for a scene. Cage's well-deserved reputation as an actor who gives his all to each role has grown over time, as has the aura surrounding the cockroach scene in 'Vampire's Kiss.

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Cage recalled 'THE' scene

Cage reflected on the legacy of the cockroach scene. He went on to recall how his director, Bierman, pranked him to do a second take of the gross stunt. He said, "I ate it twice because the director did it just to prank me." Cage eventually admitted that eating bugs was a step too far for him. Although the scene helped turn "Vampire's Kiss" into a cult classic, he said he regrets doing it. Cage said. “I’ll never do that again. I’m sorry I did it at all.” While reflecting on the iconic scene, Cage went on to reveal that his co-star, Nicholas Hoult ate a 'potato bug' instead. Hoult said, "The cockroach is worse than a potato bug. I think. I don't know because the cockroaches I got to eat in this were caramel."

What is 'Renfield' about?

'Renfield', based on an original concept by creator Robert Kirkman, is a horror-comedy about Count Dracula's loyal servant. Chris McKay directed the film, which was written by Ryan Ridley. Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst, Sean Furst, and McKay are producing the movie. In this modern monster tale, Dracula's loyal servant Renfield is obligated to procure his master's prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. The film depicts the strain in their relationship as Renfield longs to be free of Dracula and live a normal life.

Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult in 'Renfield' (Universal Pictures)
Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult in 'Renfield' (Universal Pictures)

'Renfield' is currently in theaters.

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