Nicolas Cage Is Unrecognizable After Transforming Into NFL Legend John Madden

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Currently, Nicolas Cage is in the midst of a creative surge, blending reality and fiction in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” and leaving indelible marks on our subconscious in both “Dream Scenario” and “Longlegs.” Despite his occasional musings about retiring from acting, it appears that Cage’s departure from the silver screen is not imminent. On the contrary, he’s gearing up for a new role in the sports biopic “Madden,” where he will portray the legendary John Madden. The initial glimpses of his transformation into the coach and broadcaster are quite striking, causing a momentary sense of disbelief.

In a recent unveiling, Deadline showcased John Cena as Madden, donning a Raiders jacket and brandishing a football with a Super Bowl ring visible. Standing beside him is the strikingly transformed Christian Bale, depicting Al Davis, a previous owner of the Raiders. The Daily Mail also released another image featuring Cena in full character, which seems to suggest that he’s wearing a fat suit to represent an aged Madden.

In a conversation with The San Francisco Chronicle, Cage discussed his ambitious undertaking of embodying the iconic sports personality, Madden. He admitted, “I’ve never been involved in a sports film of this scale, nor have I ever played anyone like John Madden.” Referring to the role, he added, “There isn’t a character that feels more dissimilar to me than Madden, and that, indeed, is quite challenging.” It appears that when the movie “Madden” is released, Cage might surprise us in ways beyond simple recognition.

Fans online are down for Nic Cage to play John Madden

Over the course of his career, Nicolas Cage has tackled some extraordinarily eccentric characters, such as a superhero with a flaming skull and a talking, robot-fighting janitor. However, his portrayal of John Madden will likely require a more realistic approach. Despite this, fans are enthusiastic about the idea of Cage playing the NFL legend, with many social media posts praising the casting decision. For instance, @adivraz commented, “Nic Cage looks spot-on as John Madden.

Despite Cage appearing fitting for the role, many Reddit users were eager to discover his distinctive speaking style. John Madden was renowned for his one-of-a-kind speech, frequently emphasizing statements with a “Boom!” or “Pow!”. As Redditor u/Ordinary-Leather-262 put it, “John Madden’s way of speaking was so unique and easily recognizable; I can’t wait to hear Nic Cage emulate that style.

Some might want to watch a trailer first to judge if Nicolas Cage was the ideal choice for playing Madden, given that there’s an artist who has built a significant career around his John Madden impersonation. As U/IBelongHere pointed out, “They should have gone with Frank Caliendo instead.” Caliendo gained fame on “MadTV,” where he was renowned for his celebrity impressions, but none were as popular as his Madden. However, while Caliendo can deliver a comical Madden, the film may require a more emotional performance. This is where Cage steps in.

Who else stars in Madden?

The upcoming film, titled “Madden”, appears set to delve into various significant milestones throughout John Madden’s impressive career. A short summary shared on Instagram by Amazon MGM Studios hints at this expansive narrative, stating that the movie traces Madden’s captivating journey – from his Super Bowl-winning alliance with Al Davis and the Raiders, to the creation of Madden NFL and his rise as a football legend whose voice resonates in history. This film promises to touch upon various aspects of his career on the field, his time as a commentator, and his iconic presence in the video game industry – making it engaging for both sports enthusiasts and gaming aficionados alike.

The upcoming movie will be directed by David O’Russell, known for his past works like “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “American Hustle.” His last film, “Amsterdam,” didn’t perform well at the box office or with critics, so “Madden” might be a crucial opportunity for him. Apart from Cage and Bale, this movie features Sienna Miller as Carol Davis and Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, who are portraying the wives of Al Davis and John Madden respectively. Additionally, the cast includes John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, the founder of Electronic Arts, a company that launched the “Madden NFL” video games.

Featuring an impressive ensemble and narrating the life of a renowned sports icon, the upcoming movie titled “Madden” promises to be a must-see (though its release date remains undisclosed).

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2025-05-16 18:00