One of the greatest actors of our time will take on one of the most iconic roles in football: John Madden.
Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage will portray Madden in an upcoming biopic of the legendary coach and commentator.
The film will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios and has no planned 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 where anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden,” Russell said in a press release.
Nicolas Cage to play John Madden in upcoming biopic of legendary coach
Madden is best known as the namesake of the football video game franchise with EA Sports.
“Along with the fierce style, focus and inspired individualism of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, the film will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in the incredibly inventive and cool world of the 1970s,” Russell continued.
Madden passed away in December 2021 at age 85, and Cage will take over nearly three years after the legend’s passing.
Madden is best known for its eponymous football gaming video series, which has been one of the flagship titles in the sports genre for four decades.
Cage has been nominated twice for an Academy Award and won Best Actor in 1995 for his role in “Leaving Las Vegas.”
Cage’s second Oscar nomination came in 2002 for ‘Adaptation.’
The film has been in development for months and other high-profile actors such as Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman are rumored to be taking on the role of Madden.