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Amazon MGM Studios has started production on its “Madden” film — and a shocking first-look photo of the film’s lead stars was released on Tuesday.
In the image, Nicolas Cage looks unrecognizable with shaggy hair as Oakland Raiders coach-turned-legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden.
The same goes for Christian Bale as Raiders owner Al Davis.
The two Oscar winners are in character standing on a football field pointing their Super Bowl rings at the camera.
The movie tells the story of John Madden’s incredible journey, starting from his successful tenure with Al Davis and the Raiders, to the creation of the iconic ‘Madden NFL,’ solidifying his position as one of the most renowned figures in football history, according to Amazon’s official statement.
David O. Russell has taken on the role of director and writer for the “Madden” biopic, following an initial script by Cambron Clark. Russell, aged 66, earned Oscar nominations for his work on “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “American Hustle.”
The ensemble cast features John Mulaney portraying Electronic Arts (EA) founder Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as John’s wife, Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Al’s wife, Carol Davis.
The producing team features Russell, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, David O. Russell, Matthew Budman, Colin Wilson, David Bloomfield, Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini.
Madden first gained fame as the coach of the Raiders under Davis’ ownership, leading the team to seven AFC Championship games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season.
He found more success from his broadcasting career and became the name and face of the “John Madden Football” and “Madden NFL” video games.
Madden died in Dec. 2021 at age 85.
Davis, meanwhile, was the owner and general manager of the Raiders for 39 years. He was known for his motto “Just, win, baby.”
The sports legend passed away in Oct. 2011 at age 82. He died of congestive heart failure.
The “Madden” movie was first announced to be in development in 2023. At the time, Will Ferrell was reportedly in talks to play the titular role, per Deadline.
Then in April 2024, a report claimed Hugh Jackman was in the mix to play Madden, while Tom Hanks was allegedly entering negotiations to portray Davis.
But a few months later, Cage, 61, was officially cast as Madden. Bale, 51, was later confirmed to be joining the project as Davis.
“Madden” does not yet have a release date.