John Madden Film Projects hires Nicolas Cage for the role of the American football legend

PublishedAugust 15, 2024, 9:37 p.m. EDT|UpdatedAugust 15, 2024, 9:37 p.m. EDT

Nicolas Cage, the extroverted actor most popular among film fans, is set to play national hero and football star John Madden.

Will he score points as a popular NFL star?

There was exciting news for football and film fans on Thursday when the casting decision was made: Nicolas Cage will play John Madden in an upcoming film by David O. Russell.

Few men have influenced professional football like John Madden. (Photo by Jay LaPrete /Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images)

Will Nick Cage be a success as John Madden?

There are several things to be happy about here…

First, There is Nicolas Cage, the actor with the unbearable burden of massive talent. Who could forget his roles in “Young Arizona”, “Con Air” or “Leaving Las Vegas”? By now we can all admire the filmography of the great Nick Cage.

The decision seems to be an advantage considering his acting chops, and as seen in his recent “indie” roles, Cage can tone down his eccentricities and play the serious guy. Luckily for him, Madden had plenty of eccentricities for Cage to work with.

Great actor for the Main role. Check.

Nicolas Cage attends the premiere of “Dream Scenario” during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on September 9, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

Then comes the John Madden element. As previously written on OutKick, Madden became the face of the Oakland Raiders during his time as head coach from 1969 to 1978. During his tenure, the Raiders made the playoffs eight times and won the Lombardi Trophy in 1976 by defeating the Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI. Madden retired from coaching at the end of the 1978 season, having achieved a record of 103-32-7.

Madden made a name for himself in the football community and beyond, and was considered a staple of American culture for decades. His death in 2021 broke hearts across the country, and nearly four years later, Madden will be getting his own movie.

(What is your favorite Nick Cage movie? Will the movie “Madden” be a hit? Send us your opinion: [email protected])

An American sports theme that serves as the basis for a potentially Oscar-worthy project? Checked.

And while director David O. Russell still gets a bad rap for being arrogant toward his cast behind the scenes of “I Heart Huckabees,” he gave us two of the best sports or sports-related movies of all time in “Silver Linings Playbook” and “The Fighter.” (Discuss with me.)

Good director with a sporting background. Check.

O. Russell seemed excited about the casting of Nic Cage.

“Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will play beloved national legend John Madden, embodying the American spirit of originality, fun and determination to make anything possible at its best,” Russell said in the New York Post statement.

Pat Summerall (left) and John Madden together for the last time in the announcer’s booth at Super Bowl XXXVI at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA, February 3, 2002. Summerall retired after 21 years with Madden. Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect.