Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The film world is gearing up for an epic biopic chronicling the life of one of the most influential sports icons, John Madden.
"Madden" will feature Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage in the title role, bringing to life the legendary coach, commentator, and creator of the video game franchise.
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Production has already begun on the film with Amazon MGM Studios as the production house, promising a captivating spectacle that will be released exclusively on Prime Video.
"Madden," scheduled for release on Thanksgiving Day 2026, offers an in-depth look at Madden's remarkable career.
Audiences will follow Madden from his rise as a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Oakland Raiders to his transformation into one of the most iconic voices in American football history.
Directed by David O. Russell, the film will explore not only Madden's professional accomplishments but also his larger-than-life personality.
With Christian Bale joining the cast as Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders, the film will explore the partnerships and rivalries that shaped Madden's legacy.
John Madden's Career Journey: From the Field to the Big Screen
The film 'Madden' will take audiences on a journey through John Madden's evolution from a successful football coach to a multi-talented legend.
The story will begin with his unforgettable partnership with Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
Madden's success on the field laid the foundation for his illustrious career off it.
Following his coaching career, Madden transitioned into a highly respected sports commentator, known for his straightforward and enthusiastic commentary.
The film will showcase how Madden bridged the gap between casual fans and football experts, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable.
The film will explore how Madden, along with tech entrepreneur Trip Hawkins (played by John Mulaney), developed the 'Madden NFL' video game franchise.
This story will explore the rivalry between Madden and Al Davis in their quest to create the ultimate football simulation, a project that ultimately transformed the gaming industry and cemented Madden's status as a pop culture icon.
Top-Rated Actors in the John Madden Biopic
The casting of Nicolas Cage as John Madden has garnered widespread attention, given his reputation as an actor with extraordinary intensity.
Cage is expected to capture Madden's passion, humor, and deep love for football, as well as his ability to explain the sport in a unique way.
Christian Bale, another Oscar-winning actor, will play Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders.
The dynamic between Cage as Madden and Bale as Davis is expected to be one of the film's main attractions, given the complexity of their relationship.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, including Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, John Madden's wife, and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis, Al Davis's wife.
John Mulaney will play Trip Hawkins, a key figure in the development of the video game 'Madden NFL'.
Shane Gillis and Joel Murray also complete the cast as Pat Summerall.
Behind the Scenes of Madden Production
'Madden' is directed by David O. Russell, who also co-wrote the screenplay based on an earlier version by Cambron Clark.
Russell has reportedly made significant changes to the script, making him the primary screenwriter.
Russell's approach is expected to bring a distinctive artistic touch to this biographical tale.The film's production process has been a whirlwind.
Nicolas Cage was the third actor to be cast as Madden, after Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman previously dropped out of the project.
Principal photography began on April 24, 2025, in Atlanta, marking the beginning of the visual journey to bring the Madden story to life.
However, there were reports of drama during production, including an altercation between Russell and cinematographer Robert Richardson, and a supporting actor leaving the set.
Despite these challenges, Amazon MGM Studios remains committed to releasing 'Madden' exclusively on Prime Video on Thanksgiving Day 2026.
Early promotional materials, such as the first images of Nicolas Cage as John Madden and Christian Bale as Al Davis, have been released around May 2025, followed by the first trailer around Christmas 2025, increasing public anticipation.