When there were rumors of a TV show based on Netflix’s hit docu-series Tiger King, casting opinions were shared far and wide as to who should play Joe Exotic. Thankfully, the single most appropriate casting choice was made for this polygamist gay gun-toting zoo owner and breeder: Nicolas Cage.
Yes, that Nicolas Cage.
Technically, this news show would not be based on the hit documentary but rather the Texas Monthly article “Joe Exotic: A Dark Journey Into the World of a Man Gone Wild,” by Leif Reigstad. The eight-episode series will look at Joe’s origins, how he became such a strange character, and how he got on a dark path towards murder and prison. It is being produced by Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios, which means it could end up on CBS or on its streaming service, CBS All Access.
Cage’s unique acting style is a perfect match for the erratic, paranoid, and over-the-top Joe. This will be Cage’s first regular television role, which is surprising for an actor of such depth and range…albeit a strange one. The show will be written by Dan Lagana, who (appropriately enough) wrote the show American Vandal for Netflix, which was over-the-top and ridiculous. No word yet as to who would be cast to play his nemesis and potential-husband-murderer Carole Baskin in this version.
You might be thinking “what do you mean, this version?” That’s because this isn’t the only show based on Joe Exotic in the works. Kate McKinnon is signed on to play Baskin in the adaptation of the Wondery podcast Joe Exotic. The studio UCP is producing, though where the show may end up is unknown. No other cast has been announced for their show at this time.