Madden NFL Icon's Biopic Casts Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage to Portray John Madden in Upcoming Biopic

In a surprising casting choice, Nicolas Cage will star as legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden in a new biopic chronicling the origins of the iconic "Madden NFL" video game franchise. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, highlighting the film's focus on Madden's multifaceted career – from his coaching triumphs to his broadcasting success and his pivotal role in creating a cultural phenomenon.

The film, timed to coincide with the release of Madden NFL 25, will delve into the creation and meteoric rise of the game series. Madden's collaboration with Electronic Arts in the 1980s resulted in "John Madden Football" (1988), which laid the foundation for the enduring Madden NFL franchise.

Acclaimed director David O. Russell ("The Fighter," "Silver Linings Playbook") will helm the project, having also penned the screenplay. Russell describes the film as a celebration of Madden's "joy, humanity, and genius" within the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s.

John Madden's legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. His coaching tenure with the Oakland Raiders resulted in Super Bowl victories, and his transition to broadcasting cemented his status as a beloved national figure, earning him 16 Sports Emmy Awards.

Director Russell praised Cage's casting, stating that the actor's "originality, fun, and determination" perfectly embody the "American spirit" that defined Madden's life.

Madden NFL 25 launches August 16, 2024, at 12 p.m. EDT on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. For more information on the game, consult our Wiki Guide (link below).