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It’s somewhat hard to believe that A24 hasn’t worked with the beloved actor already, but nowNicolas Cage’sDream Scenariowill be the actor’s first collaboration with the Academy Award-winning indie production company. It’s hard to imagine that there was a recent time when Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor himself, was at a relatively low point in his career, making a variety of straight-to-video low-budget features that were hardly becoming of an actor of his caliber. That’s thankfully changed in the last few years with Cage being universally praised for his recent performances. This includes his compelling emotional character inPig, his stereotypical and satirical incarnation inThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, andhis bloody hysterical villain inRenfield. However, this career resurgence for the beloved actor wouldn’t be possible without his daring explorations into existential horror.MandyandColor Out of Spacealone are perfect examples of this, both being remarkably surreal and bizarre films that have each earned a deserved cult following. They’re also films that would feel right at home at a production company like A24, which has already been having an incredible year with films likeBeau Is Afraid, a complete and utter nightmare in all the best of ways, andTalk to Me, a refreshingly human and incredibly original ghost story. Nicolas Cage and A24 sound like a match made in heaven, and alreadyDream Scenariosounds like a perfect project to bring the two filmmaking juggernauts together. To learn more about the dark comedy’s cast, director, release date, and more, here is everything we know so far aboutDream Scenario.
Editor’s Note: This piece was updated on June 22, 2025.
Dream Scenario
Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster. - A24
When Is ‘Dream Scenario’ Coming Out?
Nicolas Cage and A24 will be living out their dream come true whenDream Scenariohits theaters this fall onNovember 10, 2023. The film had its world premiere on September 9 at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was met with positive reviews from critics.Collider’sRoss Bonaimegave the film a B, writing in his review,
“Even though Borgli’s career has been relatively short, it’s bonkers ideas like this that make him a filmmaker to truly be excited about for the future. And even though Cage has always done great work, these last few years have been a testament to his brilliance, andDream Scenariocertainly adds to the lineup of quality roles he’s gotten to sink his teeth into recently.”
Where Can You Watch ‘Dream Scenario’?
Those concerned that the audiences at TIFF were part of a lucky few who got to see the film can rest easy. A24 has already confirmed thatDream Scenariowill be premiering exclusively in theaters come November 10.
Despite primarily creating lower budget and more niche projects, A24 has largely remained fervent in their desire to release theatrically, and with good reason.Everything Everywhere All at Oncehad huge success at the box office in addition to its many Academy Award wins andTalk to Mealso made more than enough to be considered successful, already getting a sequel greenlit. Plans for a streaming release forDream Scenariohave not been announced at this time, but it’s certainly on the cards.
RELATED:‘Knowing’ Ending Explained: Where Does Nicolas Cage Go?
Is There a Trailer for ‘Dream Scenario’?
The firstofficial trailer forDream Scenariowas released by A24 on September 19, set toThe Cranberries"Dreams," the trailer highlights the film’s unique sense of humor as well as some of the rave reviews from critics.
A promotional video was released by A24 on October 26, beginning with Nicolas Cage declaring that the film is a masterpiece.
Who’s In the ‘Dream Scenario’ Cast?
As mentioned, Nicolas Cage will be leading the cast ofDream Scenario. TheFace-Offstar is a legitimately brilliant actor who has proven time and time again that he is a dedicated tour de force. Before Cage was attached to the lead role,Adam Sandlerwas being considered for the role of Paul Matthews. In an interview withPerri Nemiroff, Borgli explained why Cage was ultimately the right choice:
“He just made the character so watchable and interesting. He does so many choices that are kind of mesmerizing and strange in a good way.”
Even better, Cage isn’t the only big star in the film. Also attached isThe Adults’Michael Cera, who recently entered the public eye again for his memorable portrayal as Allan inBarbie. The cast also includesJulianne Nicholson, who scored an Emmy win for her performance inMare of Easttown.
Audiences can also expect appearances fromHunters’Dylan BakerandThe Goldbergs’Tim Meadows. Other cast members includeDylan Gelula(Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt),Kate Berlant(Sorry to Bother You),Lily Gao(Slip),Noah Lamanna(Star Trek: Strange New Worlds),Krista Bridges(Narc),Paula Boudreau(Doc),Marnie McPhail(The Edison Twins),Kaleb Horn(The Kid Detective), andSofia Banzhaf(Closet Monster).
What’s the Plot of ‘Dream Scenario’?
Dream Scenariosees Nicolas Cage star as Professor Paul Matthews, a lonely loser who has little to no connection with anyone. That is until, Paul suddenly has a connection with just about everyone, when several entirely disconnected people see Paul in their dreams. How and why this happened is a complete mystery to the college professor, who will attempt to find the answers as to why he has suddenly made cameo appearances in other people’s subconscious minds. While that sounds more along the lines of a sci-fi or fantasy mystery, the film has been called ahorror comedy, so perhaps these are questions that Paul wishes he left unanswered.
The official plot synopsis for the film reads:
Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster.
Who’s Making ‘Dream Scenario’?
Directing and writingDream Scenariois up-and-coming filmmakerKristoffer Borgli, who caught the attention of many indie film fans last year with his critically acclaimed dramatic horror film,Sick of Myself. Borgli may not be a globally recognized household name yet, but one of the producers of the film is one of the biggest names in cinema at the moment. That producer isAri Aster, who has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with A24 after directingHereditary,Midsommar, andBeau is Afraid, all three of which are widely considered to be some of the greatest and best horror films in the last decade. The film’s crew is rounded out by cinematographerBenjamin Loeb(Pieces of a Woman), production designerZosia Mackenzie(Infinity Pool), art directorJohn O’Regan(Firestarter), art directorBrittany Morrison(Possessor), and costume designerNatalie Bronfman(The Handmaid’s Tale).
When Was ‘Dream Scenario’ Filmed?
Dream Scenariowas filmed sometime in December 2022.We know that thanks to set images shared by Kristoffer Borgli, which shows Cage in an entirely new light. The various photos show the crew is very much hard at work on the hotly anticipated project, but the hard plot details of the perplexing film still prove to be a mystery. Take a look at those images here:
