Prime Video has released the first official teaser for Madden, the highly anticipated biographical film centered on the life of NFL icon John Madden, and it’s already generating buzz, largely due to the striking physical transformations of its leading stars. The teaser reveals Nicolas Cage fully immersed as Madden, the legendary coach, broadcaster, and larger-than-life cultural figure, while Christian Bale appears nearly unrecognizable as late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.
Directed and co-written by David O. Russell, the teaser premiered during Christmas night football, offering audiences a first glimpse of the cast bringing some of the most influential figures in football history to life. The film is slated for release around Thanksgiving 2026, a fitting nod to Madden’s enduring connection to the sport’s most iconic holiday tradition.
Christian Bale And Nicolas Cage Bring NFL Legends To Life In Madden Trailer
The Madden teaser zeroes in on defining moments from John Madden’s life and career, beginning in the aftermath of the Oakland Raiders’ Super Bowl XI victory in 1977. From there, it traces Madden’s evolution from a championship-winning head coach to a broadcasting powerhouse and, eventually, a key figure behind the iconic Madden NFL video game franchise.
Nicolas Cage undergoes a remarkable physical transformation to portray Madden, adopting the coach’s larger-than-life build and unmistakable presence that became synonymous with both the sidelines and the broadcast booth. His look in the teaser is so transformative that many viewers have noted he is nearly unrecognizable beneath the makeup and costuming.
Christian Bale is similarly altered in his portrayal of Raiders owner Al Davis, complete with a receding hairline, period-accurate attire, and subtle aging effects. The performance captures the intensity and complexity of one of the NFL’s most formidable and controversial executives.
The cast also includes Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, Sienna Miller as Carol Davis, and John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, the Electronic Arts founder who helped bring the Madden NFL video game series to life. Comedian Shane Gillis is also set to appear in an undisclosed role.
Related: Inside Patrick Mahomes’ Extravagant Christmas Gift Haul For The Chiefs’ Offensive Line
The film delves into Madden’s enduring partnership with Davis, the strategic innovations that helped deliver a Super Bowl championship, and Madden’s lasting influence on football culture—both as a groundbreaking broadcaster and as the face of one of sports’ most influential video game franchises.
Madden is written and directed by David O. Russell, known for films such as American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook. Production has been ongoing throughout 2025, with the newly released teaser offering the first public glimpse of the film ahead of its planned 2026 release.
John Madden: Celebrating The Life, Career, And Lasting Legacy Of An NFL Legend
John Madden grew up in Daly City, California. He played both offensive and defensive line at California Polytechnic State University, but a knee injury in 1958 ended his hopes of an NFL playing career.
He began coaching at the college level before joining the Oakland Raiders organization under head coach John Rauch in 1967 as linebackers coach. Two years later, Madden was promoted to head coach at just 32, making him one of the youngest head coaches in professional football at the time.
From 1969 to 1978, Madden led the Raiders to sustained success, compiling a 103–32–7 regular-season record. Under his leadership, the team made the playoffs eight times, won seven division titles, and secured the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship with a 32–14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977.
Madden never had a losing season during his coaching tenure. He retired after the 1978 season due to fatigue and a stomach ulcer.
Following his coaching career, Madden launched a broadcasting career in 1979 with CBS and became one of the most influential color commentators in NFL history. He worked across all major U.S. networks and earned 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst and personality.
He even formed a legendary broadcasting partnership with play-by-play announcer Pat Summerall starting in 1981, which lasted over two decades. His career culminated with his call of Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, after which he retired.
In Case You Missed: Charles Barkley Blasts NFL For Stealing Christmas, Says NBA Used To Have This Day
In 1988, Electronic Arts released John Madden Football, later renamed Madden NFL. The franchise became one of the best-selling sports video game series of all time and helped grow the NFL’s international popularity.
In 2006, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements and contributions to the sport. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” reflecting Madden’s profound influence on the game. John Madden passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2021, at age 85, at his home in Pleasanton, California.
