Nicolas Cage to Play John Madden in New Biopic
Hollywood's Nicolas Cage is set to portray legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden in an upcoming biopic chronicling the origins of the wildly popular "Madden NFL" video game franchise. The film, as announced by The Hollywood Reporter, will explore Madden's multifaceted legacy, encompassing his coaching triumphs, broadcasting career, and pivotal role in shaping one of the most successful sports video game series in history.
The movie, timed to coincide with the release of Madden NFL 25, will delve into the creation and meteoric rise of the game. In the 1980s, Madden collaborated with Electronic Arts, resulting in a football simulation that quickly became a cultural phenomenon upon its 1988 debut as "John Madden Football."
Acclaimed director David O. Russell ("The Fighter," "Silver Linings Playbook"), who also penned the screenplay, promises a film capturing the "joy, humanity, and genius" of John Madden within the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s.
Madden's impact on football is undeniable. His coaching tenure with the Oakland Raiders in the 70s yielded multiple Super Bowl wins, followed by a celebrated broadcasting career that garnered 16 Sports Emmy Awards.
Director Russell's statement highlights the casting of Nicolas Cage as a perfect fit: "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 for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. For more information on the game, consult our Wiki Guide (link below).
