A-List Stars Undergo Dramatic Transformations to Portray NFL Icons in Upcoming Film
The anticipation builds!
Amazon MGM Studios has kicked off production of its “Madden” biopic, with a striking initial photo of the movie’s principal actors released this week.
The snapshot reveals an almost unidentifiable Nicolas Cage sporting unkempt hair as he embodies Oakland Raiders coach-turned-broadcasting legend John Madden.
Similarly striking is Christian Bale’s metamorphosis into Raiders owner Al Davis.
The Academy Award-winning duo appears in character on a football field, displaying their Super Bowl rings toward the lens.
Nicolas Cage (as John Madden)
Photo credit: CHR!S, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Film Chronicles Madden’s Extraordinary Journey
“The picture chronicles Madden’s extraordinary path — spanning his Super Bowl victory alongside Al Davis and the Raiders, to developing ‘Madden NFL,’ and emerging as football’s most recognizable voice,” Amazon stated in their announcement.
David O. Russell takes the helm as director and writer of the “Madden” biographical film, following Cambron Clark’s initial screenplay version. Russell, 66, received Oscar nominations for his work on “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle.”
Star-Studded Supporting Cast Joins Production
The ensemble includes John Mulaney portraying Electronic Arts (EA) creator Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as John’s spouse, Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Al’s wife, Carol Davis.
The production team includes Russell, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, Matthew Budman, Colin Wilson, David Bloomfield, Michael Strahan, and Constance Schwartz-Morini.
The Legacy of Football Legends
Madden initially rose to prominence coaching the Raiders under Davis’s leadership, steering the team to seven AFC Championship appearances and clinching the Super Bowl after the 1976 season.
His broadcasting career brought even greater acclaim as he became synonymous with the “John Madden Football” and “Madden NFL” gaming franchises.
Madden passed away in December 2021 at 85 years old.
Davis served as the Raiders’ owner and general manager for 39 years. His signature phrase was “Just win, baby.”
The football pioneer died in October 2011 aged 82, succumbing to congestive heart failure.
From Rumor to Reality: The Casting Journey
The project was initially revealed to be in development in 2023. Reports at that time suggested Will Ferrell was considering the lead role, according to Deadline.
By April 2024, rumors circulated about Hugh Jackman potentially playing Madden, while Tom Hanks was reportedly discussing the Davis role.
However, months later, Cage, 61, was confirmed as Madden. Subsequently, Bale, 51, was announced to portray Davis.
The release timeline for “Madden” remains unannounced.
Source:
Eric Todisco (May 14, 2025). Hollywood A-listers unrecognizable as they transform into famous NFLers for new movie. The New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/05/14/entertainment/nicolas-cage-christian-bale-are-unrecognizable-in-madden-photo/
Header Photo: Actor Christian Bale at the Berlinale 2019
Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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