What are the key plot points in the 1998 film Snake Eyes starring Nicolas Cage?

Checked on September 27, 2025
Disclaimer: Factually can make mistakes. Please verify important information or breaking news. Learn more.

This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.

Was this fact-check helpful?

1. Summary of the results

The 1998 film Snake Eyes, starring Nicolas Cage, centers around a corrupt Atlantic City police detective named Rick Santoro who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy when the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Charles Kirkland, is assassinated during a heavyweight boxing match [1] [2] [3]. The film's plot involves Santoro uncovering a larger conspiracy behind the assassination, with the action taking place in Atlantic City's casino and boxing venue setting [1] [2].

The movie has gained renewed attention due to striking similarities between its fictional plot and the real-life assassination of Charlie Kirk. Multiple sources highlight these parallels, including the nearly identical names of the victims - the film's Charles Kirkland versus the real-life Charlie Kirk [4] [2] [3]. Additionally, both events occurred on September 10th, creating an eerie temporal connection that has fueled conspiracy theories [2] [4].

The film also features a character named Lincoln Tyler, which conspiracy theorists have connected to Tyler Robinson, who has been accused of Kirk's murder [4]. This name similarity has further intensified speculation about whether the 1998 film somehow predicted or was connected to the real-life events that occurred decades later.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on the film's plot points but completely omits the significant contemporary controversy surrounding Snake Eyes and its alleged connection to Charlie Kirk's assassination. This context is crucial because the film has become a focal point for conspiracy theories that have gone viral on social media platforms [4] [3].

Social media reactions have been polarized, with some users finding the similarities between the film and real-life events to be "uncanny," while others dismiss the connections as mere coincidence [3]. This divide represents two distinct viewpoints: those who believe in predictive programming or supernatural connections, and skeptics who attribute the similarities to random chance.

The analyses reveal that some claims made by conspiracy theorists are incorrect or exaggerated [4], suggesting that while certain similarities exist, the conspiracy theories may be built on both factual parallels and embellished details. However, the sources don't provide specific examples of which claims are inaccurate, leaving room for interpretation.

Multiple news outlets have covered this phenomenon, including Newsweek, Latin Times, and Hindustan Times, indicating that the conspiracy theory has gained significant mainstream media attention [4] [3]. This coverage suggests the story has moved beyond fringe conspiracy circles into broader public discourse.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears deliberately neutral and factual, asking only about plot points without acknowledging the controversial context. However, this neutrality itself could be misleading, as it fails to disclose that the film has become central to conspiracy theories about a real murder case [4].

By framing the question as a simple movie plot inquiry, it potentially obscures the fact that providing detailed plot information could inadvertently fuel conspiracy theories or provide ammunition for those promoting unsubstantiated connections between fiction and reality. One source explicitly notes that there is no actual link between the film and the real-life events [2], which is crucial context missing from the original question.

The timing of asking about this specific 1998 film's plot points, given the recent viral conspiracy theories, suggests the question may not be as innocent as it appears. The question could be an attempt to gather information to either support or debunk conspiracy theories without explicitly stating this intent.

Furthermore, the sources indicate that conspiracy theorists have been selective in highlighting similarities while potentially ignoring differences between the film and real events [4]. This selective interpretation represents a form of confirmation bias that the original question doesn't acknowledge or address.

The lack of context about the film's current controversial status in the original question could mislead respondents into providing information without understanding how it might be used in ongoing conspiracy theory discussions, potentially contributing to misinformation campaigns surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the significance of the snake eyes dice roll in the film's plot?
How does Nicolas Cage's character, Rick Santoro, contribute to the conspiracy unfolding in the movie?
What are the major twists in the 1998 film Snake Eyes starring Nicolas Cage?
How does the film's portrayal of a conspiracy at a boxing match relate to real-life events?
What impact did the film Snake Eyes have on Nicolas Cage's career in 1998?