Nicolas Cage has been chosen to play legendary NFL coach and sportscaster John Madden in the upcoming sports film. Drive crazy.
Oscar-nominated director David O. Russell will direct the Amazon MGM film. According to multiple sources, he will incorporate Madden’s coaching and broadcasting careers, but will focus on developing the iconic Madden NFL video game franchise.
When reports about the film first emerged, Will Ferrell was said to be Russell’s first choice for the role of Madden. Hugh Jackman was also said to be in talks for the role.
While Cage doesn’t bring Ferrell’s star power, the veteran actor has developed a cult-like following through his performances in a variety of films, from summer action blockbusters to comedies to B-movies. He’s still at the peak of his career, most recently playing the title role in the horror film “The 2024.” Long-legged.
Madden was in his early 50s when he signed the first John Madden football game with his name in 1988. Cage is 60. There is a certain similarity between the two.
Nicolas Cage will portray John Madden, the legendary American football coach and sports commentator, in “Madden,” a biographical drama from director David O. Russell.
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— Variety (@Variety) 15 August 2024
“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 a statement (via Hollywood Reporters). “Along with the wild style, determination and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the feature will explore the joy, humanity and genius that John Madden brought to an incredibly inventive, cool world in the 1970s.”
(Hollywood Reporter)
