“The film will capture the joy, humanity and genius that John Madden brought to the wonderful and innovative world of the 1970s,” said director David O. Russell.
Actor Nicolas Cage is set to play legendary NFL coach John Madden in a biopic directed by David O. Russell, according to multiple reports Thursday.
“Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will embody the best of the American spirit – authenticity, joy and the determination to make anything possible – in the beloved national legend John Madden,” O. Russell said in a statement. “Along with the fierce style, focus and inspiring individuality of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, the film will capture the joy, humanity and genius that John Madden brought to the innovative and brilliant world of the 1970s.”
Madden is one of the most iconic figures in NFL history, having made his mark as head coach of the Super Bowl-winning Oakland Raiders and then as an award-winning color commentator. Especially among younger fans, he is arguably best known for being the namesake of Electronic Arts. Madden NFL The franchise, one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Madden passed away in 2021.
Report from Hollywood Reporter This suggests that the film will actually focus on the development of the video game series rather than Madden's early life.
The new role is the latest in Cage's unlikely career that has seen him play everyone from an American treasure hunter trying to crack codes to Dracula to a fictionalized version of himself. Most recently, Cage starred in the horror film leggy, Which he also produced.
