Nicolas Cage portrays John Madden in new film directed by David O. Russell
The actor gained 25 pounds and worked alongside Christian Bale to bring the legendary coach to life in a movie releasing this week.
By Alexei Brooks ·
Nicolas Cage will appear in theaters this week as John Madden, the former Oakland Raiders coach and broadcaster. The 62 year old actor stars in the upcoming film Madden, which opens in select theaters on November 11. The movie is scheduled to arrive on Prime Video on November 18.
Cage underwent physical changes to prepare for the role. He gained 25 pounds and wore prosthetics to resemble the football figure. Madden died in 2021 at the age of 85. He led the Raiders to a victory in Super Bowl XI in 1977. He later became a television broadcaster and lent his name to a popular video game series.
In an interview with ABC News anchor Chris Connelly that aired on Good Morning America, Cage discussed his connection to the character. The interview also covered his collaboration with co-star Christian Bale. Bale portrays Al Davis, the owner of the Raiders during the period depicted in the film.
Cage noted that he and Bale developed a natural chemistry on set. This allowed them to improvise during scenes. Cage said he drew inspiration from a Bill Murray sketch on Saturday Night Live while working with Bale. The two actors also had different methods for preparing in the makeup trailer. Cage preferred to work alone and focus on emotions. Bale listened to punk rock music while they waited.
Cage recalled that his own childhood experience with football was not successful. He said he played touch football while wearing an Incredible Hulk T-shirt. He believed he made a play for the wrong team. Other children teased him, and he decided not to play sports again. He has won an Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas and has starred in films such as Moonstruck and Face/Off.
The actor found a personal link to Madden through his late father, August Coppola. Coppola was a professor of comparative literature. Cage said he appreciated that Madden was a teacher who cared about empowering athletes. He listened to Madden's words and felt the coach wanted to guide players.
Cage also spoke about his life outside of acting. He recently experienced a disruption when a sinkhole formed in the driveway of his home in Malibu. The incident temporarily displaced him from his property. Despite the event, Cage said he remains grateful for his life. He highlighted his relationship with his daughter as a source of happiness.
Cage described himself as thankful and content. He agreed with a line from the film that says if you love life, life will love you back. He called life a gift that people should enjoy. The film is directed by David O. Russell. Michael Strahan, a co-anchor of Good Morning America, served as an executive producer.
