Prime Video has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the upcoming biopic Madden, featuring Nicolas Cage as the legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden. The trailer, debuted during a Thursday Night Football game, offers a glimpse into the film that explores Madden's career and his role in creating the iconic Madden NFL video game series. The movie is slated for release on Thanksgiving 2026.
The teaser trailer for the film Madden dropped on December 26, 2025, following Prime Video's broadcast of the Denver Broncos versus Kansas City Chiefs game. Directed by David O. Russell, who co-wrote the screenplay based on a draft by Cambron Clark, the biographical sports drama stars Nicolas Cage in heavy makeup as John Madden, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who coached the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory in 1977 before retiring in 1978 with a 103-32-7 record and a 76.3% winning percentage—the highest in NFL history.
Madden's post-coaching career included groundbreaking broadcasting stints across all four major networks: CBS (1979-1993), FOX (1994-2001), ABC (2002-2005), and NBC (2006-2008). He died in December 2021. The film delves into his partnership with Raiders owner Al Davis, his broadcasting legacy, and his pivotal involvement in the Madden NFL video game franchise, which launched in 1988 and became the only officially licensed NFL series from 2004 to 2022. Madden provided voice, likeness, and expertise to shape the games.
Joining Cage are Christian Bale as Al Davis, Kathryn Hahn as Madden's wife Virginia Fields, Sienna Miller as Carol Davis, John Mulaney as Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins, Joel Murray as broadcaster Pat Summerall, and Shane Gillis in an unspecified role. A first-look photo of Cage and Bale in character was shared by Amazon MGM Studios on May 13, 2025, with the caption: "Your first-look at Nicolas Cage as John Madden and Christian Bale as Al Davis on set of the upcoming film, Madden. Production is currently underway. The film 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."
It remains unclear if Madden will receive a theatrical release or stream exclusively on Prime Video. Originally, Russell considered Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman for the lead role before casting Cage, who appears transformed with added weight and period-accurate hair. The Thanksgiving 2026 release aligns with the NFL's tradition of honoring Madden during holiday games.
