Nicolas Cage to Play John Madden in New Biopic

In a surprising casting choice, Nicolas Cage will portray legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden in an upcoming biopic chronicling the origins of "Madden NFL."

NFL Great John Madden to be Played by Nicolas Cage

A Look at the Genesis of Madden NFL

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Nicolas Cage is set to star as John Madden in a new film exploring Madden's multifaceted career—as a coach, commentator, and the namesake of a hugely successful video game franchise. The movie will delve into the creation and phenomenal success of the Madden NFL video game series.

Partnering with Electronic Arts in the 1980s, Madden played a key role in developing a football simulation game that became a cultural icon upon its 1988 release as "John Madden Football," laying the foundation for the enduring Madden NFL franchise.

Acclaimed director David O. Russell ("The Fighter," "Silver Linings Playbook") will helm the project, which he also wrote. Russell describes the film as capturing "the joy, humanity, and genius of John Madden within the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s."

John Madden's impact on football is undeniable. As head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s, he led them to multiple Super Bowl wins. His broadcasting career cemented his status as a beloved national figure, earning him 16 Sports Emmy Awards.

With Nicolas Cage in the lead, the film promises a captivating portrayal of Madden's dynamic personality. Director Russell stated, "Nicolas Cage, one of our most unique and gifted actors, will embody the quintessential American spirit of innovation, fun, and determination—perfectly capturing the essence of beloved national icon John Madden."

Madden NFL 25 launches August 16, 2024, at 12 p.m. EDT for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. For more information on the game and gameplay strategies, visit our Wiki Guide (link below).