‘Spider Noir’ Star Nicolas Cage Opens Up About the One Regret From His Friendship With Sean Connery

When Nicolas Cage teamed up with Sean Connery for Michael Bay’s 1996 action thriller ‘The Rock’, it was more than just another job. Connery played a former SAS captain opposite Cage’s FBI chemical weapons specialist, and the collaboration sparked a friendship that lasted for years.

For Cage, the experience was deeply personal. He has previously recalled seeing Connery in ‘Dr. No.’ at a drive-in theater with his father, and he has credited the Bond star with helping inspire his decision to become an actor in the first place.

Cage reflected on that bond during his spotlight panel at New York Comic Con on Saturday, October 10. When the moderator playfully asked who should play the next James Bond, the 62-year-old joked that he was too old and not British, before the conversation shifted to his real-life connection with a former 007.

That’s when Cage revealed the one thing he still wishes he had done differently. Connery repeatedly invited him to play golf, but Cage never took him up on the offer. “Sean wanted to get me on the golf course,” Cage said during the panel, as reported by Gold Derby. “But I never went on the golf course because I just didn’t have time for that. I just wanted to be on my boat.”

At the time, Cage explained, he was far more interested in fishing and relaxing on his boat during his free time. Looking back, he admitted he wishes he had accepted the invitation and spent that time with his friend.

The story struck a chord with fans because it highlights how easily small moments can slip away. For Cage, the golf lessons that never happened have become a reminder of a friendship he deeply valued. Despite the missed golf outings, Cage emphasized that the two shared a great relationship. He said he would visit Connery at his home and considered him a true friend.

Their connection went well beyond being co-stars. Cage has previously described sharing scotch with Connery late into the night while talking about movies and the legendary actor’s life, even referring to him as “Maestro.”

Cage also called Connery one of his heroes, saying that working alongside him had been a dream. When asked to name his favorite Connery Bond film, he picked ‘Goldfinger’ without hesitation.

Connery died in 2020 at the age of 90. At the time, Cage paid tribute to his late friend, describing him as someone he admired immensely and calling him his greatest teacher in cinema.

Their time together on ‘The Rock’ remains a fan favorite, and Cage’s stories continue to offer a glimpse at the warmth behind the explosive action film. Thirty years later, the friendship clearly still means a great deal to him. The NYCC panel also gave Cage a chance to talk about his upcoming work. He revealed that he made ‘Spider-Noir’ an AI-free zone and teased his role in ‘True Detective’ Season 5.

With several major projects on the horizon, Cage remains one of Hollywood’s busiest and most fascinating stars. Still, his reflections on Connery showed a more vulnerable side of the actor. Cage’s regret may be simple, but it resonates with many people. Sometimes the moments we skip are the ones we end up thinking about the most.

For fans of both actors, the story adds another layer of affection to their legendary on-screen pairing. It’s a reminder that even Hollywood icons wish they could go back and say yes to more time with the people they admire.

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