As Nicolas Cage told Empire, his dream role is one of musical theater’s all-time great antagonists. “I think I’d make a good Pontius Pilate in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,'” says Cage. Based on the historic Roman official, Pontius Pilate first appears in the production during “Pilate’s Dream,” where he has a nightmare about an innocent man who stayed silent as an angry man demanded his death.
“Thousands of millions crying for this man,” he sings, all blaming Pilate for his death. This “man” of course, is the superstar known as Jesus Christ. The concept album turned Broadway production turned movie musical turned lackluster live telecast, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is one of the greatest musicals ever written, and Nicolas Cage would be one hell of a Pontius Pilate.
The character was originated by Barry Dennen for the concept album, original Broadway production, and the 1973 movie, and would fit nicely in the repertoire of Nicolas Cage. Just imagine the Cagemeister with golden laurel leaves around his head, washing his hands of his participation in the death of Jesus Christ. Come on, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the people deserve a Cage Pilate.