Major Hollywood star announced to play John Madden in upcoming biopic of the legendary NFL coach
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One of the best actors of our time will be stepping into one of the most iconic football roles there is, John Madden.
Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage will play Madden in an upcoming biopic of the legendary coach and commentator.
The film will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios and does not have a projected release date.
The film's director, David O. Russell, announced the casting on Thursday.
'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,' Russell said in a press release.
Nicolas Cage will play John Madden in an upcoming biopic of the legendary coach
Madden is best known as the namesake for the football video game franchise with EA Sports
'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,' Russell continued.
Madden passed away in December 2021 at age 85, with Cage set to take on the role almost three years after the legend's passing.
Madden is best known for the football game video series named in his honor, which has been one of the signature titles in the sports genre for four decades.
Cage is a two-time Academy Award nominee, winning in 1995's Best Actor honor for his role in 'Leaving Las Vegas'.
Cage's second Academy Award nomination came in 2002 for 'Adaptation'.
The film has been in development for months with other high profile actors such as Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman being rumored to take on the role of Madden.
