One of the greatest actors of our time will take on one of the most iconic football roles in the world: John Madden.
Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage is set to play Madden in an upcoming biopic about the legendary coach and commentator.
The film is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and has no expected release date yet.
The film’s director, David O. Russell, announced the casting on Thursday.
“Nicolas Cage, one of our finest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spirit of originality, fun and determination as beloved national legend John Madden, where anything is possible,” Russell said in a statement.
Nicolas Cage will play John Madden in an upcoming biopic of the legendary coach
Madden is best known as the namesake of the football video game franchise with EA Sports
“Combined with the fierce style, focus and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the film is about the joy, humanity and genius of John Madden in the wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s,” Russell continued.
Madden passed away in December 2021 at the age of 85. Cage will take on the role, nearly three years after the legend’s passing.
Madden is best known for the football video series that bears his name, which has been one of the leading titles in the sports genre for four decades.
Cage was nominated twice for an Academy Award and won Best Actor in 1995 for his role in Leaving Las Vegas.
Cage was nominated for a second Academy Award in 2002, for his film ‘Adaptation’.
The film has been in development for months and rumors are swirling that other big-name actors, including Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman, will take on the role of Madden.