How Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Retirement Plan’ Drew Inspiration from ‘John Wick’

The Big Screen Connection

When you think of action-packed cinema, a few iconic names instantly come to mind. One of them is undoubtedly John Wick, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Keanu Reeves. But what happens when you take the essence of this relentless assassin and drop him into a radically different scenario? You get Nicolas Cage’s latest venture, ‘The Retirement Plan.’ This unexpected collision of worlds is turning heads in theaters, and here’s how it all came together.

Aging Doesn’t Mean Slowing Down

‘The Retirement Plan’ boldly challenges the traditional action movie playbook. Instead of a spry, young hero, we find ourselves following the adventures of a grandfatherly figure played by Nicolas Cage. He’s not out for blood; he’s out for some well-deserved relaxation. But as fate would have it, he’s forced back into the world he left behind—a world of danger, intrigue, and, of course, action.

The Spark of Inspiration

In a recent interview with FilmSweep’s Christina Radish, Tim Brown, the visionary behind ‘The Retirement Plan,’ spilled the beans on his creative process. He revealed that the initial spark for the movie was a tantalizing question: What if John Wick decided to swap his guns for a beach chair and a piña colada, spending four decades in retirement? Could he still muster any skills when he hit 70? This curious premise set the wheels in motion.

As Brown elaborated, “A lot of the people that I’ve been talking to say the film’s almost unpredictable because I’m not following that classic action genre beat sheet. I’m mixing it up a little bit, and where you think the happy ending might happen, I flipped it. If you think this is gonna happen, I wanted to change that, just to be a little bit unpredictable about it.”

The Organic Evolution of Storytelling

What’s intriguing about Brown’s approach is his commitment to the organic evolution of the narrative. He didn’t have the ending in mind from the get-go; instead, he let the story grow naturally. It’s as if he planted a vine and watched it twist and turn in unexpected directions. Brown explained, “I just had to go, ‘What if suddenly a van comes crashing through the door? Why would that happen?’ You just keep asking questions, and then it literally organically evolves.”

This willingness to let the story breathe and take unexpected turns adds a layer of freshness to ‘The Retirement Plan.’ It’s a departure from the formulaic action genre, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Cage’s Relaxed Hero

In ‘The Retirement Plan,’ Nicolas Cage’s character, Matt, is in an intriguing predicament. After vanishing for years, his family has come to terms with his absence. But when his daughter, Ashley, played by Ashley Greene, gets caught up in a perilous criminal plot, she has no choice but to seek out her long-lost father. The catch? Matt has fully embraced a life of leisure, leaving his shadowy past as an assassin far behind.

A Tip of the Hat to John Wick

The John Wick franchise needs no introduction. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of the dog-loving, vengeance-fueled hitman captivated audiences worldwide. The series, which began in 2014, has become a benchmark for stylish and intense action sequences. And while John Wick’s story reached its climax in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ the franchise is far from over. A TV series and spinoff movie are already in the works.

Conclusion: A Must-See Blend of Action and Comedy

‘The Retirement Plan’ takes a bold step by blending action with humor and unpredictability. It challenges the conventions of the genre, offering a fresh take on the aging hero trope. Tim Brown’s organic storytelling approach and the inspiration drawn from John Wick make this movie a must-see for fans of action, comedy, and, of course, Nicolas Cage.

So, if you’re ready for a rollercoaster ride that defies expectations and brings together two seemingly incompatible worlds, ‘The Retirement Plan’ should be on your watchlist. Catch it in theaters nationwide and prepare for a cinematic experience that’s as wild as it is entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Action Cinema

More about Action Cinema

• [Official ‘The Retirement Plan’ Trailer](link to the trailer)
• [John Wick Franchise](link to John Wick franchise information)
• [Nicolas Cage’s Filmography](link to Nicolas Cage’s filmography)
• [Tim Brown Interview with FilmSweep](link to the interview with Tim Brown)
• [Ashley Greene’s Filmography](link to Ashley Greene’s filmography)