Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage is reportedly set to take on the title role in a biopic about the late, great Oakland Raiders coach John Madden – who gained even greater fame as a sportscaster and NFL icon.
According to an article published in the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, Cage, who formerly lived in San Francisco, has been cast in the role of Madden in the film produced by Amazon/MGM.
Rumors of the film – which is set to be directed by David O. Russell, best known for his hit films “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “The Fighter” and “I Heart Huckabees” – first surfaced in 2023. Previous reports of the film named Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman as the leads.
“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 that anything is possible at its best,” Russell said in a statement, according to Variety.
Cage is known for his wide-ranging and varied body of work, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1996 for his role as an alcoholic with a death wish in “Leaving Las Vegas.” He also established himself as a 1990s action hero in the box office hits “The Rock,” “Con Air” and “Face/Off.”
He was also nominated in 2002 for his portrayal of twins Charlie and Donald Kaufman in the comedy-drama series “Adaptation.” In recent years, his career has seen a resurgence with acclaimed performances in independent films such as “Pig” and “Dream Scenario,” as well as this year’s underground horror films “Mandy” and “Longlegs.”
One of the most popular head coaches in NFL history, the lively and spirited Hall of Famer Madden led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1977, making him one of the most successful coaches of his era.
Madden became the youngest coach to reach 100 regular-season wins in his career, a record he achieved in just ten full seasons as coach at age 42. He remains the most-winning coach in Raiders history.
He posted an excellent 103-32-7 regular season record before ending his career in 1978 due to health problems caused by acute stomach ulcers.
Madden became an even more influential figure in the commentary booth, entertaining millions of viewers who tuned in to NFL football. Madden’s highly animated commentary style – often punctuated by his signature exclamation of “Boom!” – made him a fan favorite and one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.
Madden worked with all four major networks during his broadcasting career, which lasted from 1979 until his retirement in 2008. His fear of flying famously led to Madden traveling by bus from game to game for broadcasts.
A new generation became familiar with Madden after he became the name behind the hugely popular sports video game series, Madden NFL Football, with annual editions of the game collectively selling over 250 million copies.
Drive crazy died at the age of 85 at the end of December 2021. Thousands attended a memorial service honoring Madden at the Oakland Coliseum in February of the following year.
