Nicolas Cage reveals real reason he named his son Kal-El, quashing longtime assumptions

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nicolas Cage addressed the long-standing assumption that he named his son, Kal-El, after Superman’s "Kryptonian" identity in DC Comics during an interview with Entertainment Tonight published on Friday, May 29.

Given his long-standing association with comic books and his involvement in the canceled superhero film 'Superman Lives', he clarified that the name has a Hebrew origin. The comments come as Cage prepares to star in the upcoming television series 'Spider-Noir'.

Nicolas Cage clarifies the origin of son Kal-El’s name

During the interview, Cage pushed back against the assumption that the name was chosen because of Superman: “A lot of people think I named my son Kal-El because of Superman, but that’s not true." Explaining the reason behind the choice, “Kal-El is actually a Hebrew name. It means ‘voice of God.’ And I thought that was beautiful.”

He added that the meaning of the name was what attracted him, rather than any connection to the comic-book character. The 'Con Air' actor also noted, “What's interesting is I wasn't a Superman enthusiast; I grew up reading the monsters, like Ghost Rider and the Incredible Hulk."

Kal-El, whom Cage shares with his former wife Alice Kim, was born in 2005. Speaking about the son’s reaction to the distinctive name, He said, “My son likes his name.” The name also carries an unusual connection to his own career.

In the early 1990s, Cage was cast in 'Superman Lives', a project being developed by director Tim Burton. However, despite costume tests being completed and later surfacing online, Warner Bros canceled the film before production could begin.

Years later, Cage briefly appeared as a version of the character through visual effects in 'The Flash' in 2023. “I would’ve loved to have seen it, but I feel that in many ways, it was sort of a win-win because of the power of the imagination,” he previously said. “I think people can actually see the movie in their minds now and imagine it and in many ways that might resonate more deeply than the finished project.”

Nicolas Cage reflects on his name change and 'Spider-Noir' role

Born Nicolas Coppola, he chose to adopt a different surname as he sought to establish an identity separate from his family's Hollywood legacy. The actor said he was inspired by Marvel character Luke Cage, while also appreciating the artistic associations of the name.

"Cage' is a name that I liked coming across in the comics — I just thought he had a cool name — and I grew up in a very avant-garde, artsy family and there was talk about John Cage and the experimental compositions that he did," he stated.

"I changed my name legally last year. I’m Nick Cage in life, and I’m Nick Cage on camera. 'Tis better to be the patriarch of my own little family than the clown cousin on the margins of someone else’s, so I decided I’m going to bring it on and be 'Cage,'" the 'Longlegs' star said.

Cage also spoke about his experience portraying the title character in 'Spider-Noir', which is now streaming on Prime Video in both black-and-white and "True-Hue" color formats. The role involves action sequences and wirework, something the actor said he continues to enjoy despite the risks involved.

He said, "You're always thinking, This could snap, and I'm going to drop, but there's a bit of excitement and bliss: OK, this is dangerous, and I'm feeling some adrenaline in my body, and I'm enjoying myself.”