According to Deadline, Nicolas Cage will take on the role of John Madden in Amazon MGM’s upcoming biopic.
The film, written and directed by David O. Russell, follows Madden’s story from coach of the Oakland Raiders to face of Madden NFL video games and finally to sports commentator.
“Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will represent the best of the American spirit of originality, fun and determination, where anything is possible, as beloved national legend John Madden,” Russell said in a quote provided to Deadline. “Combined with the wild style, focus and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the film will be about the joy, humanity and genius that John Madden represented in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”
Nicolas Cage, widely known and awarded for numerous roles in films such as “Legacy of the Knights Templar”, “City of Angels”, “The Wicker Man” and others, most recently played the title character in “Longlegs”.
Amazon MGM’s take on Madden’s story was first revealed in May 2023, although it was reported at the time that Will Ferrell was being considered for the role of Madden. At the time, the film was based on a script by Cambron Clark, but Russell has since written a new version. The film will be produced by Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, Matthew Budman and Russell. David Bloomfield will serve as executive producer.
IGN has contacted Amazon for comment.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter at IGN. Have a story tip? Send it to [email protected].
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