After months, if not years, of development, David O. Russell’s Madden appears to be closing in on the end zone.
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| Nicholas Cage and John Madden JC Olivera/Getty Images for Neon; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage for ESPN |
Nicolas Cage is slated to play John Madden, the legendary football coach and sports commentator, in a drama from Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Russell, known for Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.
However, this isn’t a typical biopic or a conventional sports drama, unlike Russell's previous work in the boxing film The Fighter. Instead, Madden is, according to sources, partly a video game movie, telling the origin story of Madden NFL, one of the most successful video game franchises ever.
The feature is being produced by Prime Sports Original and Todd Black, with additional production by Escape Artists’ Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, and Jonathan Shukat, alongside Russell and Matthew Budman. Escape Artists is also preparing a live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe for Amazon.
Madden was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders during the 1970s, boasting an impressive winning streak. He transitioned into a three-decade-long career as a color commentator, becoming a beloved figure in American pop culture with his engaging style, and earning 16 Sports Emmy Awards along the way.
In the 1980s, Madden began discussions with Electronic Arts, leading to the creation of Madden NFL, a game series that debuted in 1988 and remains popular today. For many, Madden is more closely associated with the game than with his broadcasting or coaching career.
Russell wrote the script, building on an earlier version by Cambron Clark.
“Nicolas Cage, one of our most exceptional and original actors, will embody the quintessential American spirit of originality, fun, and determination that embodies the beloved national icon John Madden,” Russell said in a statement.
“Paired with the fierce style, focus, and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, this feature will explore the joy, humanity, and genius that defined John Madden in the wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”
Cage’s casting follows months of Russell navigating scheduling conflicts and securing the right star power to move the project forward. Hugh Jackman was one actor who had been intermittently attached to the project last year.
Cage, known as one of Hollywood’s most daring actors, has successfully navigated big studio films (and their paychecks), award-winning dramas (with two Oscars to his name), schlocky low-budget straight-to-video fare, and cult classic horror movies. He is currently starring in Neon’s critically acclaimed and box office hit Longlegs as the title character.
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