Nicolas Cage has built a career on unpredictable choices, often veering from acclaimed performances to projects that fly far under the radar. Following his celebrated turn in 2021's Pig, the actor continued his eclectic streak with a 2025 Western that critics and audiences largely rejected. That film, Gunslingers, currently holds a startling 5% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has found a temporary home on Netflix. However, the clock is ticking for anyone curious to witness this chapter in Cage's filmography, as it's slated to be removed from the streaming library on May 1, 2026.
A Brief and Forgettable Ride
Directed by Brian Skiba, Gunslingers features a cast including Stephen Dorff and Heather Graham. The plot centers on an outlaw, played by Dorff, whose past confronts him while he's lying low in a remote location. Despite the film's title and promotional materials suggesting a larger role, Nicolas Cage appears only in an extended cameo. This limited screen time did little to shield the project from harsh criticism, with the film failing to resonate with both professional reviewers and general viewers.
What Did Critics and Audiences Say?
The critical reception for Gunslingers was overwhelmingly negative. One reviewer described it as a film that felt "cobbled together under duress," while another suggested only Cage's most devoted fans might find something to appreciate in his performance. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at a mere 18%, with viewers calling it a failure on every level and one of the worst films they had seen in decades. This stands in stark contrast to some of Cage's other recent genre work, like the horror hit Longlegs.
This isn't Cage's only recent foray into the Western genre, though it is arguably his most poorly received. In the years leading up to Gunslingers, he starred in The Old Way (2023), which holds a 32% score, and Butcher's Crossing (2022), which fared better with a 74% rating. His 2021 genre-bender Prisoners of the Ghostland also sits at a 61% score, showcasing his willingness to experiment within and beyond traditional Western frameworks.
Cage's Career Beyond the Badlands
Fortunately for fans, Cage's filmography is far more diverse than this single misfire. He has balanced these niche projects with higher-profile releases like the monster comedy Renfield. Looking ahead, the actor is set to star in director David O. Russell's upcoming biopic about football coach John Madden, sharing the screen with Christian Bale. This pattern of oscillating between mainstream prestige and offbeat passion projects has become a defining characteristic of Cage's later career.
The impending departure of Gunslingers from Netflix is part of the platform's regular content rotation. Subscribers have a finite window to decide if they want to experience this particular chapter of Cage's work for themselves. For those seeking more critically successful Western content, Netflix often cycles through classics and modern hits. Meanwhile, fans of the genre might also explore essential Western viewing on other platforms.
While Gunslingers may not be a highlight, its fleeting availability highlights the transient nature of streaming libraries. Just as Brad Pitt's Fury is also exiting Netflix, and John Wayne's Rooster Cogburn sequel rides off next year, niche titles come and go, offering a limited-time opportunity for completionists and the curiously inclined.
For entertainment fans tracking what's new and what's leaving streaming services, staying informed is key. Whether it's a cult horror obsession like Forbidden Fruits or a major new series, the digital landscape is always shifting. As for Nicolas Cage's Gunslingers, its time in the Netflix spotlight ends on May 1, 2026, marking the end of a brief and largely unlamented streaming tenure for this forgotten Western.
