Nicolas Cage Transforms Into Football Legend in First Teaser for David O. Russell’s ‘Madden’

The first trailer for Madden has now been released, giving audiences their first look at Nicolas Cage as football legend John Madden.

The film is a new biographical sports drama directed by David O. Russell, who also co-wrote the script. The movie focuses on Madden’s life, both on the field and beyond it, including his role in shaping the famous Madden NFL video game franchise.

There is only one John Madden. Thanksgiving 2026. #MaddenMovie pic.twitter.com/MPRWSbQZoe

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) December 26, 2025

According to information shared by the studio and industry reports, the film follows John Madden’s journey from coaching to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American football. Nicolas Cage plays Madden, while the supporting cast includes Christian Bale as Al Davis, Kathryn Hahn as Madden’s wife Virginia, John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis. Shane Gillis and Joel Murray also appear in the film.

The project has been in development for some time. Early talks in 2023 suggested Will Ferrell might play John Madden, but those plans changed later that year when Nicolas Cage officially signed on. Casting continued into 2025, with Christian Bale and several other actors joining shortly before filming began. Production started in Atlanta in April, based on reports from film industry outlets.

However, the movie’s production also faced controversy. In May, multiple news sources reported that some cast and crew members left the set after David O. Russell allegedly used a racial slur and attempted to include it in the script.

Reports also claimed he belittled crew members who raised concerns about the language. These events drew attention while filming was still underway.

With the first trailer now out, interest in the film is growing fast. The preview highlights Cage’s transformation into Madden and hints at the personal and professional moments that defined his career. The movie does not yet have a confirmed release date, but it is expected to arrive in theaters after post-production is completed.

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