Nicolas Cage to star as John Madden, but some fans aren’t celebrating the casting choice

Nicolas Cage who is known for his eclectic roles, has been confirmed to portray the iconic football coach and broadcaster John Madden, in an upcoming Amazon biopic directed by David O. Russell.

The casting decision aligns Cage with a project that focuses on Madden’s journey from a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Oakland Raiders to a crucial figure in the creation of the Madden NFL video game franchise.

"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," David O. Russell in a statement.

He further continued,

"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."

Despite Nicolas Cage's strong acting credentials including two Oscars and a variety of dynamic roles from Leaving Las Vegas to Face/Off, the new role has stirred mixed reactions among Madden's fans and followers of American football.

The film promises to explore Madden’s considerable impact on football broadcasting and the video game industry and yet some fans have been questioning whether Nicolas Cage fits the physical and stylistic profile that is traditionally associated with Madden.

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How are people reacting to Nicolas Cage being cast as John Madden?

The response to Nicolas Cage’s casting as John Madden has been a mixed bag of surprise disappointment and a bit of humor. Social media platforms and sports forums have been buzzing, with many expressing their disbelief by poking fun at the decision or outright criticizing it.

The general sentiment seems to be that of confusion as fans are trying to reconcile Nicolas Cage’s known intense and eccentric acting style with Madden’s affable public demeanor.

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Why are fans reacting like this?

Fans are reacting strongly because John Madden is a cherished national icon whose legacy spans beyond the gridiron that makes him more than just a former football coach to the world of NFL. His substantial physique and everyman charisma helped make his televised insights into must-see TV for American sports fans.

Fans worry that Nicolas Cage, who often immerses himself deeply into characters, might not naturally fit the role of Madden who was known for his straightforward and larger-than-life personality that resonated so well with football audiences.

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Who would they choose rather?

If fans had their way, the casting might look quite different. Many have suggested John Goodman because they feel he matches Madden in both stature and warmth.

Others think Will Ferrell with his sports movie pedigree and physical likeness, could capture Madden's spirited and engaging commentary style. Some even fantasize about a digitally altered version of Madden himself, hoping for a portrayal that could mirror his authentic vibrancy and profound impact on the sport.

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About John Madden

John Madden (Image via Getty Images)

John Madden was born in 1936 in Minnesota and grew up in California. He transitioned from a promising player to a coach after a college injury, starting his coaching career at Allan Hancock College and San Diego State.

Madden became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1969 at age 32 and he led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1977 and maintained an impressive win record. Retiring in 1979 due to health issues, he moved into broadcasting where he was celebrated for his energetic commentary and won 16 Emmy Awards.

Madden also became the face of the Madden NFL video game series that majorly impacted its success and the sport’s popularity.

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He passed away in 2021 at the age of 85, leaving a substantial legacy in both coaching and broadcasting.