Note to self: Stop questioning Nicolas Cage’s career choices. Stop questioning Nicolas Cage’s career choices…

Production on The Green Hornet has barely begun, yet the number of obstacles keeps growing. First, the studio had to find a new director and a new Kato. Then Disney announced it would release Tron Legacy on the same December 2010 date. Over the weekend, there was a stunt mishap during filming. Now another hole has emerged in the casting lineup.

Although it was believed Nicolas Cage would play the villain in Columbia’s actioner, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice star has backed out. The reason? According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio couldn’t come to terms with the Oscar winner.

Okay, I’m confused. Were the execs simply unable to guarantee that it would suck as much as Bangkok Dangerous? Or Knowing? Or Wicker Man? Or Ghost Rider? Or Next...?