Nicolas Cage to Star as John Madden in Upcoming Biopic
Hollywood's Nicolas Cage is set to portray the legendary NFL coach and commentator, John Madden, in a new biopic chronicling the origins of the iconic "Madden NFL" video game franchise. This surprising casting choice was announced by The Hollywood Reporter.
The film will explore Madden's multifaceted legacy, highlighting his achievements as a coach, broadcaster, and the driving force behind one of the most successful sports video game series in history. The movie's timing coincides with the release of Madden NFL 25.
The biopic will delve into the creation and explosive success of the "Madden NFL" games. In collaboration with Electronic Arts in the 1980s, Madden helped develop the football simulation that launched in 1988 as "John Madden Football," eventually evolving into the globally recognized Madden NFL series.
Acclaimed director David O. Russell ("The Fighter," "Silver Linings Playbook"), who also penned the screenplay, aims to capture the "joy, humanity, and genius" of John Madden within the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s.
John Madden's impact on football is undeniable. His coaching career with the Oakland Raiders saw multiple Super Bowl wins, and his transition to broadcasting cemented his status as a beloved national figure, earning him 16 Sports Emmy Awards.
Director Russell praised Cage's casting, stating, "Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spirit of originality, fun, and determination in which anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden."
Madden NFL 25 launches August 16, 2024, at 12 p.m. EDT on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. For more information on the game, consult our Wiki Guide (link to be inserted here).
