Nicolas Cage’s next role will be legendary NFL commentator and Super Bowl winning coach John Madden.
Cage has been cast as Madden in an upcoming biopic from Amazon MGM Studios, the film’s director, David O. Russell, said in a statement Thursday.
“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.
“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.”
Former Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden speaks about former quarterback Ken Stabler (pictured back) at a ceremony in Stabler’s honor during halftime of a game between the Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals in Oakland, California, on September 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, file)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Cage will take on the role nearly three years after Madden’s death at the age of 85. A release date for the film has not yet been announced.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will focus on the origins of Madden’s NFL video game series, “Madden NFL.” The video game series, which began in 1988 and was developed and published by EA Sports, was arguably the crown jewel of Madden’s portfolio.
The video game series is one of the most profitable and highest-grossing digital entertainment franchises in history. The product’s dominance is directly linked to an exclusive licensing deal EA signed with the NFL in 2005, making it the only video game that could use official NFL teams and players.
According to the NPD Group’s monthly sales report, the latest Madden installment was a best-selling game for the 24th year in a row last year.
John Madden, former coach of the Oakland Raiders, celebrates his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at a press conference in Detroit on February 4, 2006. (Reuters/Mike Cassese)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Cage’s casting came amid a flurry of rumors that other A-list actors were also being considered. Will Ferrell was one of the actors previously rumored to play Madden in Russell’s film. Hugh Jackman was later rumored to play Madden.
Another competing project focusing on Madden’s career outside of the video game series is also in development, according to Deadline. That project is a limited TV series directed by Gavin O’Connor, with Tom Brady’s production company reportedly also involved.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
