Their professed preference for Nicolas Cage movies on a local quiz show has made four Brookline High School seniors an Internet sensation, and potential guests of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show. But what seemed like a spontaneous proclamation of their affection for the Hollywood star on WGBH’s “High School Quiz Show” last month was a bit premeditated, it turns out.

The buzz began when “Quiz Show” host Billy Costa asked members of the Brookline High team to list their favorite movies. In response, Benjamin Doughty said “Con Air,” Jonathan Eber said “Face/Off,” Vikram Mahadevan said the “National Treasure” franchise, and Ben Eggleston said “Raising Arizona.” All of the movies star Cage, and the strange coincidence drew a chuckle from Costa and the show’s studio audience.