David O. Russell’s “Madden” is actualy happening. Production is supposed to begin next month in Atlanta. I’m amused by how Russell can still get these incredible casts despite multiple cancellation attempts.
We already know that Christian Bale will play former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. Nicolas Cage is co-lead as football icon John Madden.
Deadline is now hearing that “Madden” will be another sprawling ensemble cast for Russell, which has become his specialty for the better part of 25 years. The trade is reporting that John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn and Sienna Miller will be added to the cast.
Amazon/MGM is behind “Madden,” which Russell is writing and directing. The original script, written by Cambron Clark, has been part of the Blacklist for a few years now. Russell is said to have “tweaked” the script to his own liking, and I had recently reported that he now had the main screenwriting credit.
Cage is also now the third actor whose been attached to portray the football icon, with both Will Ferrell and, more recently, Hugh Jackman dropping out.
Also, don’t expect a token sports biopic. Russell’s film is not that. Madden is being described as a “video game movie.” It’s the origin story of MADDEN NFL, one of the biggest video game franchises of all time. “Madden” will focus on the former coach’s exit from the league and subsequent partnership with EA Sports to create the pioneering “Madden NFL” video game franchise. The film will recount the rivalry between Madden and ex-footballer Joe Montana, in a race against time to develop the ultimate football video game.
It seems as though there is still some oxygen left in Russell’s brand of filmmaking as he’s constantly delivered critically acclaimed fare over the course of his 30-year career, films such as “Silver Linings Playbook”, “The Fighter”, “Three Kings”, “Flirting with Disaster” and” American Hustle” cemented his former A-list status.
Russell’s last film, 2022’s “Amsterdam,” was savaged by critics, lost 20th Century over $100 million. but didn’t deserve the hate. Although it didn’t reinvent the wheel, it was a slightly fun romp. It’s no secret that, in some circles of the film community, Russell is a marked man due to past behavior. Last we heard from him, he had punched a Sony exec in the gut at an Oscar party.