First ‘Madden’ Trailer Sets Nicolas Cage Film for November Release
The film also depicts Madden’s insistence on an 11-on-11 format for the video game.
LOS ANGELES — Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for *Madden*, with Nicolas Cage starring as Hall of Fame NFL coach John Madden. Directed by Oscar nominee David O. Russell, the biographical film will open exclusively in theaters on Nov. 11 and begin streaming globally on Prime Video on Nov. 18.
The film follows Madden’s career beyond the sidelines, including his rise as a television analyst for CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC. He retired from coaching in 1979 at age 42, after leading the Oakland Raiders to a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI in January 1977. Occupational burnout and severe health problems, including ulcers and a debilitating fear of flying, drove his early retirement.
A second career as a broadcaster is one strand of a story set during a pivotal transition in American sports and entertainment. Another is the development of the *Madden NFL* video game franchise, which began with a pitch from Trip Hawkins, played by Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney. Hawkins, an Apple computer employee, founded Electronic Arts (EA) in 1982 and sought Madden’s endorsement for a computer football simulation.
The film also portrays Madden’s professional partnership and personal friction with legendary Raiders owner Al Davis, played by Academy Award winner Christian Bale. Extensive hairstyling and facial prosthetics transform Cage into the boisterous coach, while Bale’s portrayal of the Raiders executive is more reserved. Sienna Miller plays Carol Davis, the owner’s wife, and Kathryn Hahn plays Madden’s wife, Virginia.
Hawkins initially proposed a simplified seven-on-seven game to work around the severe processing limitations of 1980s home computers. In the film, Madden rejects the idea and insists on a realistic 11-on-11 format. Madden’s refusal to compromise on tactical realism delayed development for several years; *John Madden Football* finally debuted in 1988.
The franchise has since sold more than 130 million copies, making it one of the most lucrative properties in interactive entertainment history. Russell’s previous biographical ensemble films include *The Fighter* (2010) and *American Hustle* (2013). Amazon MGM Studios has positioned the film’s November release ahead of the holiday movie season.
