Nicolas Cage has been cast to portray John Madden in film director David O. Russell’s upcoming movie, titled Madden.
The film will be centered around Madden’s life as a legendary NFL coach, sports commentator, and the namesake of the popular video game franchise, Madden NFL.
But, as The Hollywood Reporter notes, it won’t be a biography or drama in the traditional film-making sense. It’s being described as a “video game movie” and the “origin story” of one of the biggest video games of all time.
Madden is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios, indicating significant backing and a potentially wide release. As such, it needs a significant star to play the main character.
Enter City of Angels star, Nicolas Cage.
John Madden Will Be Portrayed By Nicolas Cage
Too bad it wasn’t a comedy. I’d watch two hours of Frank Caliendo playing John Madden in a movie theater. But alas, Nicolas Cage’s casting choice reflects Russell’s vision to capture the spirit of originality and fun that Madden embodied.
Russell issued a glowing statement about the actor.
“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,” said Russell.
“Together with the ferocious style, focus, and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the feature will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”
Hmm. That sounds less like a movie about a video game. Guess we’ll have to wait and see!
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A Football Legend
Nicolas Cage though, is still quite a surprise as John Madden. It’s difficult to envision. Although, some of the other rumored choices would have been just as difficult to wrap your head around.
Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman were both reportedly considered for the role.
Before he became known for the video game series, John Madden was one of the most recognizable voices in NFL broadcasting. His enthusiastic and informative style brought a unique flair to football commentary.
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I’ll always fondly remember Madden’s obsession with how much sweat Larry Allen generated down the back of his uniform pants.
Madden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, during which he built the team into serious contenders on their way to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XI in 1977.
He finished with a record of 103-32-7, making him one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.
His innovative offensive strategies and ability to connect with his players revolutionized the game, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.