Nicolas Cage, 57, says that he would prefer not to be described as an “actor” but “Thespian” because that means you’re going into your heart and imagination.

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“For me it always implies, ‘Oh, he’s a great actor, therefore he’s a great liar,’ ” Cage said. “So with the risk of sounding like a pretentious a–hole, I like the word ‘thespian’ because thespian means you’re going into your heart, or you’re going into your imagination, or your memories or your dreams, and you’re bringing something back to communicate with the audience.”

The ‘Pig’ star, 57, spoke about his preference while on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast this week.

Cage is currently getting rave reviews for his performance in Pig, in which he plays Rob, a former chef who hunts truffles with his pig companion. 

Cage says he’s grateful to have been given the chance to star in the film by director Michael Sarnoski, whom the actor refers to as “Archangel Michael.”

“I knew after a couple of flops that I had been marginalized in the studio system; and I wasn’t going to get invited by them,” Cage said, referring to the studios. “I always knew that it would take a young filmmaker who would come back or remember some movies I had made and know that I might be right for his script and rediscover me.”

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He added, “And that’s why he’s not just Michael. He’s Archangel Michael. This wouldn’t be happening if he didn’t have the open mind to say, ‘Come with me.’ “

The thespian will also star in the upcoming film ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ as a version of himself. 

Directed by Tom Gormican (Ghosted), the film follows Cage as one of his superfans, a crime boss named Javi (Pedro Pascal), pays Cage $1 million for the star to attend his birthday party, where chaos ensues.

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The film also stars Tiffany Haddish, Sharon Horgan, Neil Patrick Harris, Ike Barinholtz and Lily Sheen — the daughter of Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen.