Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale Show Stunning Transformations in NFL Biopic Madden’s First Trailer

NEED TO KNOW

• Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale portray Oakland Raiders coach John Madden and owner Al Davis in the first teaser for Madden.
• The film also features John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, and Shane Gillis.
• Madden is set for release on Thanksgiving 2026.

Nicolas Cage transforms into legendary NFL coach John Madden in an upcoming biopic that chronicles the iconic sports figure’s life and career.

Prime Video unveiled the teaser for Madden on Thursday, December 25. The film showcases Cage, aged 60, reliving significant moments from Madden’s tenure as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, his later achievements as a commentator, and his role in developing the popular Madden NFL video game. The cast includes Christian Bale, John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, and Shane Gillis.

Christian Bale, 51, appears as Al Davis, the former owner of the Oakland Raiders. A synopsis of Madden highlights the film’s focus on Madden’s extraordinary journey, noting, “it follows Madden’s remarkable journey — from his Super Bowl-winning partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders to creating Madden NFL and becoming one of the most iconic voices in football history.”

Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage in “Madden”.

Chuck Zlotnick/ Amazon MGM Studios

Madden is directed and written by David O. Russell, known for his work on acclaimed films such as The Fighter, American Hustle, and Silver Linings Playbook. The script was originally drafted by Cambron Clark. This film marks Russell’s first project since 2022’s Amsterdam, which also featured Bale.

The project first came to light in August 2024 when it was confirmed that Cage would portray Madden. Bale was seen in costume during the film’s set in June. Madden passed away in December 2021 at the age of 85, having spent five decades in the NFL, beginning with a brief playing career in 1959 before transitioning to coaching in the 1960s. He is often recognized as one of the best head coaches in NFL history, primarily for his success with the Raiders in the 1970s, and became a familiar voice in football broadcasting until 2009, as well as the namesake for the Madden NFL video game series.

“Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spirit of originality, fun, and determination in which anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden,” Russell stated in August 2024. He added, “Together with the ferocious style, focus, and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the feature will be about the joy, humanity, and genius that was John Madden in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”

Madden is expected to release on Thanksgiving 2026.