Nicholas Cage is all set to portray the veteran American football coach and commentator John Madden in the upcoming sports biopic Madden. Madden will be directed by David O Russell, known for films like Amsterdam (2022), Joy (2015), American Hustle (2013), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The Fighter (2010), and Three Kings (1999).

“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,” said Russell in a statement. “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.”

Madden died in 2021, aged 85. He was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s, leading the team to its first Super Bowl victory. 

The film will be written, directed, and produced by Russell. Also producing the film are Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, and Matthew Budman. David Bloomfield will be the executive producer.