Nicolas Cage, not Will Ferrell, to play John Madden in upcoming Amazon biopic

Nicolas Cage probably isn’t the first actor fans might imagine playing legendary football coach and announcer John Madden. But the Academy Award winner has indeed been cast as Madden in an upcoming biopic, Deadline reports.

Madden’s story is a compelling one, starting as a coach who led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl championship but retired from the profession after 10 seasons due to health issues. He then became a broadcaster and rose to become perhaps the best sports game analyst ever, winning 16 Sports Emmy Awards and becoming a cultural icon. Madden died in 2021 at the age of 85.

However, according to the Hollywood Reporter, this film project will cover the origins of the hugely successful video game franchise “Madden NFL.”

Madden was approached by game developer Electronic Arts to be the face, voice, and creative consultant for their multi-player video game that used the names and attributes of real NFL players. The gameplay has influenced the way football is televised and how the game is explained to viewers, thanks in large part to Madden’s input.

Launched in 1988, “Madden NFL” has become an essential part of the football fan experience. Players constantly comment on whether or not their skill levels are accurately represented in the game.

The film is directed by David O. Russell, whose credits include “Silver Linings Playbook,” “American Hustle” and a more conventional sports biopic about boxer Micky Ward, “The Fighter.”

Will Ferrell was one of the actors previously linked to play Madden in Russell’s film. Hugh Jackman was later reported to play Madden. Tom Hanks reportedly expressed interest in playing former Raiders owner Al Davis.

According to Deadline, a competing Madden project is also in development. It’s a limited TV series directed by Gavin O’Connor (“Miracle,” “Warrior”) with Tom Brady’s production company among the parties working on it.

Brady’s involvement was reportedly important in gaining the approval of the Madden family. Those looking for more coverage of Madden’s coaching and broadcasting careers may find what they’re looking for here.