Production on the “Madden” film has commenced at Amazon MGM Studios. A startling first-look image of the film’s principal actors was released on Tuesday.
Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Oakland Raiders coach-turned-legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden in the image is unrecognizable due to his unkempt hair.
The same is true for Christian Bale as Raiders owner Al Davis.
The two Oscar victors are depicted in character, standing on a football field and pointing their Super Bowl rings at the camera.
READ MORE: Nicolas Cage Will Play NFL Icon John Madden Directed By David O. Russell
“The film chronicles Madden’s extraordinary journey, from his Super Bowl-winning partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders to his creation of ‘Madden NFL’ and his status as one of the most iconic voices in football history,” Amazon stated in a press release.
The “Madden” biopic is being directed and written by David O. Russell, following an earlier draft of the script by Cambron Clark. Russell, 66, was nominated for an Oscar for his roles in “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “The Fighter.”
John Mulaney portrays Trip Hawkins, the founder of Electronic Arts (EA), in the ensemble. Kathryn Hahn portrays Virginia Madden, John’s wife, and Sienna Miller portrays Carol Davis, Al’s wife.
Russell, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, Matthew Budman, Colin Wilson, David Bloomfield, Michael Strahan, and Constance Schwartz-Morini comprise the producing team.
Madden initially achieved recognition as the Raiders’ coach during Davis’ ownership. He guided the club to seven AFC Championship games and the Super Bowl victory following the 1976 season.
He achieved greater success in his broadcasting career and was appointed as the name and face of the “John Madden Football” and “Madden NFL” video games.
Madden passed away in December 2021 at the age of 85.
Davis, on the other hand, served as the Raiders’ general manager and proprietor for 39 years. He was renowned for his motto, “Just, win, baby.”
In October 2011, the sports legend passed away at the age of 82. He succumbed to congestive heart failure.
The initial announcement regarding the development of the “Madden” film was made in 2023. Deadline reported that Will Ferrell was reportedly in negotiations to portray the titular character at the time.
Subsequently, in April 2024, a report indicated that Hugh Jackman was in consideration to portray Madden, while Tom Hanks was purportedly in the process of negotiating to portray Davis.
However, a few months later, Cage, 61, was officially appointed as Madden. Bale, 51, was subsequently verified to be participating in the project in the capacity of Davis.
The release date for “Madden” has not yet been determined.
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