Nicolas Cage has been cast to portray legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden in Madden, a new biopic from Amazon MGM Studios. The film is being directed, written, and produced by David O. Russell and will begin filming in Atlanta on April 24, 2025. Production will be based at Shadowbox Studios, operating under the code name “Santa Maria,” with background casting managed by Rose Locke Casting.
What's it About?
Madden follows the story of John Madden’s unexpected rise from Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Oakland Raiders to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in football broadcasting—and the name behind the long-running Madden NFL video game franchise. The film will focus on Madden’s coaching peak in the 1970s, his intense devotion to the job, and the personal cost that eventually led to his early retirement.
Who's Involved?
David O. Russell who directed American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook, it writing, producing and directing Madden. Russell explained that the film will capture the spirit of both Madden and the era. “The feature will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s,” said Russell. “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.”
The script was written by Russell, based on an earlier version by Cambron Clark. Producing the film are Russell, Matthew Budman, and Escape Artists’ Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, and Jonathan Shukat. Escape Artists’ David Bloomfield will serve as executive producer.
Joining the cast of Madden are Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, and John Mulaney. Christian Bale was previously announced to portray the late Raiders owner Al Davis. Hahn will play Madden’s wife, Virginia, appearing opposite Nicolas Cage. Miller is cast as Carol Davis, wife of Al Davis. Mulaney will take on the role of EA Sports founder Trip Hawkins, who played a major role in developing and expanding the Madden NFL video game series.
Nicolas Cage in Star Wars
While not directly involved in the Star Wars franchise, Nicolas Cage has publicly expressed interest in appearing in a Star Wars project. In 2023, The Mandalorian actor Pedro Pascal revealed that Cage is a huge fan of the series, and Cage later confirmed that he “loves Star Wars,” adding to speculation about potential future involvement.
