Madden biopic: Amazon MGM's Madden movie starring Nicolas Cage arrives November 18, 2026
Amazon MGM's Madden biopic, directed by David O.
Russell, chronicles the life and legacy of NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden and the origins of the long-running Madden NFL video game series.
The film stars Nicolas Cage as John Madden and features John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, the founder of Electronic Arts, alongside Christian Bale as Al Davis.
Amazon MGM confirmed the movie will be released on November 18, 2026, and principal photography began in April 2025.
What the film covers
- The movie traces Madden’s career with the Oakland Raiders, where he served as head coach from 1969 to 1978 and amassed a 103-game win record with the franchise.
It also depicts the collaboration that led to the creation of the Madden-branded video game series.
- John Mulaney portrays Trip Hawkins, who founded Electronic Arts and played a central role in pitching and developing the early Madden titles.
In footage from the film’s trailer, Hawkins is shown pitching the concept to Madden, telling him essentially that he could translate Madden’s ideas into a lasting interactive product and preserve his insights through a video game.
- Amazon MGM has described the film as following Madden’s journey from his partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders to the creation of Madden NFL and his ascent as a defining voice in American football.
Cast and production notes
- Nicolas Cage — John Madden
- John Mulaney — Trip Hawkins (founder of Electronic Arts)
- Christian Bale — Al Davis
- Kathryn Hahn — Virginia Madden
- Sienna Miller — Carol Davis
Development and background
Development on the project began in 2023, with Will Ferrell initially attached to portray John Madden.
The film later cast Nicolas Cage in the role and moved into principal photography in April 2025.
John Madden died on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
Sales milestone and historical context
The Madden NFL franchise, launched initially as John Madden Football, has been one of the best-selling sports video game series.
As of 2018, combined sales for the Madden NFL series exceeded 130 million units, a milestone often cited when discussing the franchise’s cultural and commercial impact.
Release
Amazon MGM has set the theatrical release date for Madden on November 18, 2026.
The film is positioned to appeal to audiences interested in sports history, game industry origins, and the life of one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Amazon MGM's Madden biopic, directed by David O.
Russell, chronicles the life and legacy of NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden and the origins of the long-running Madden NFL video game series.
The film stars Nicolas Cage as John Madden and features John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, the founder of Electronic Arts, alongside Christian Bale as Al Davis.
Amazon MGM confirmed the movie will be released on November 18, 2026, and principal photography began in April 2025.
What the film covers
- The movie traces Madden’s career with the Oakland Raiders, where he served as head coach from 1969 to 1978 and amassed a 103-game win record with the franchise.
It also depicts the collaboration that led to the creation of the Madden-branded video game series.
- John Mulaney portrays Trip Hawkins, who founded Electronic Arts and played a central role in pitching and developing the early Madden titles.
In footage from the film’s trailer, Hawkins is shown pitching the concept to Madden, telling him essentially that he could translate Madden’s ideas into a lasting interactive product and preserve his insights through a video game.
- Amazon MGM has described the film as following Madden’s journey from his partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders to the creation of Madden NFL and his ascent as a defining voice in American football.
Cast and production notes
- Nicolas Cage — John Madden
- John Mulaney — Trip Hawkins (founder of Electronic Arts)
- Christian Bale — Al Davis
- Kathryn Hahn — Virginia Madden
- Sienna Miller — Carol Davis
Development and background
Development on the project began in 2023, with Will Ferrell initially attached to portray John Madden.
The film later cast Nicolas Cage in the role and moved into principal photography in April 2025.
John Madden died on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
Sales milestone and historical context
The Madden NFL franchise, launched initially as John Madden Football, has been one of the best-selling sports video game series.
As of 2018, combined sales for the Madden NFL series exceeded 130 million units, a milestone often cited when discussing the franchise’s cultural and commercial impact.
Release
Amazon MGM has set the theatrical release date for Madden on November 18, 2026.
The film is positioned to appeal to audiences interested in sports history, game industry origins, and the life of one of football’s most recognizable figures.
