As I recall, Nic has mentioned several times 'slowing down', and taking a break, and a few times more specifically, around the time of the Bahamas Film fest he mentioned taking more time between films to focus on other projects he was interested in, like writing. A few years ago he mentioned in interviews he would take a step back from acting when Kal El goes to school. 

There have also been a few mentions of new directing projects, which take time and would mean Nic would need to create that space to undertake that kind of project from the other side of the camera. Here are a couple of interviews where Nic has mentined that more recently!

http://www.cagealotcastle.com/t40300105/nic-on-sotw-starring-in-a-musical-and-writing-and-directing-/

http://www.cagealotcastle.com/t41488251/nicolas-cages-next-directorial-outing-the-man-who-could-fly/

And not forgetting when Nic answered my questions in a Sorcerer's Aprrentice interview with Raya from MBC Scoop!!:

Raya: and a question is about having directed Sonny and they love it very much and they yes just wondering if you were interested in directing again 

Nic: Well Sonny was a movie that sort of took a little while to find it's audience, but I'm very proud of that movie, especially with the performances, and I would like to direct again, but I need enough time to do it, but I hope to in the next few years yes.

personally, my attitude is one of gratitude for the gazillions of films Nic has given us so far, and I wish for him the same as I wish for everyone else, to follow his bliss..wherever that takes him, (that is not to say i don't care whether he makes more films or not, I do..and am happy every time a new one comes along) but he has to follow his path.. luckly for us his authentic path has unfolded in a way where he is bringing us new and exciting projects all the time, and i believe it has to be authentic for Nic, or any artist, in order to be able to create, but I have always felt that Nic has also infinite depths to give in terms of being an original creator, so teh prospect of him writing and directing excites !!

Yes, it was a thriling day nicschix! though I don't think Nic realised it was me / us as it was via our twitter page, and Raya (the inteviewer) described us as the "Nicolas Cage Superfans" which used to be in our Twitter profile!

I am sure many of the lucky people who have interviewed Nic have been fans, but the only interview I can recall where fans had a real input was an online AOL one from years ago when members from a Nic site called TONCAS (The Original Nicolas Cage Appreciation Society) had their questions answered!

We are very lucky that Nic didn't retire, aren't we! Long may he reign on screen and in our hearts!

Gosh, if any of the members of TONCAs have a record of that AOL interview saved I wish they would post it here, I would love to see it!

Just came across this quote from an interview around The Weatherman Time, and felt it fit the topic here.

"The reality is I haven’t been on deck since "National Treasure "and that was a year ago. I do about two movies a year. It works out that way. To me that’s not too much. But on top of that, yeah, I like to work. It’s part of my spiritual beliefs. I like to do something with my time that’s productive. I want to serve, and I feel I’m serving myself and I’m serving you by working. I’m not going to just sit around at the pool and luxuriate myself with a margarita. That to me is not where I want to be. So yeah, work is part of my principles."

What a great interview! He is such a true, passionate and dedicated actor with no star-attitutes, like some other actors! Thanks for posting that quote, Lady T.!