Madden is pulling out a different playbook for its presumptive awards run.
The biopic of the Super Bowl-winning NFL Hall of Fame coach, broadcaster, and video game godfather starring Oscar winners Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale and helmed by five-time nominee David. O. Russell seems like catnip for both football fans and Hollywood voters, a potent combination. But Amazon MGM has curiously decided to skip a wide theatrical release for the film, opting instead for a limited qualifying run before streaming Nov. 18 on Prime Video.
Here’s everything to know about Madden.
Plot
The official studio description:
Inspired by the life of a beloved American icon, Madden chronicles John Madden’s incredible journey alongside best friend and true original Al Davis – from a Super Bowl-winning partnership with the Raiders, to becoming football’s most recognizable voice, to building the worldwide Madden NFL video game. Madden is the celebration of a brilliant mind whose once in a century spirit and personality, partnership with his daring wife Virginia, lifelong friendships, and infectious love of people and football transcended the world of sports.
Cast
Nicolas Cage stars as Madden with Christian Bale as Al Davis and Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden. Sienna Miller, John Mulaney, and Shane Gillis fill out the ensemble.
Filmmakers
David O. Russell directed and co-wrote the script with Cambron Clark. Russell also produced with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, Matthew Budman, and Colin Wilson. Executive producers were David Bloomfield, Constance Schwartz-Morini, and Michael Strahan.
Trailer
In lieu of a full trailer, Amazon MGM released a Cage-hosted clip featuring the actor’s testimonial on the real-life Madden set to key moments from the film.
“I play the legendary football icon in the upcoming movie Madden,” Cage begins. “Accepting the role to play this larger-than-life legend has been a highlight for me. John Madden didn’t just coach football; he changed the game. His football brilliance was unmatched. As a coach, John was a savant, seeing the field in ways no one else could. As a broadcaster, his brilliance evolved. His humanity was present in everything he did, including his unwavering love of family and his lifelong partnership with best friend Al Davis.
“His legacy lives on, not just on the football field or in the broadcast booth, but globally through gaming. John’s passion, joy, and the impact he had through his zest for life and humanity were immense.”
Release date
Amazon MGM will have a limited qualifying run for the Academy Awards in select cities before Madden debuts Nov. 18 on Prime Video. Per Oscar guidelines Madden must play for seven days in specific metropolitan areas — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta — to be eligible.
Awards prospects
Madden himself was an awards magnet, with 16 Sports Emmys along with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy. He was also enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, and the California Hall of Fame.
With the combined force of Cage (a two-time nominee and Best Actor winner for Leaving Las Vegas), Bale (a four-time nominee and Best Supporting Actor winner for The Fighter), and Russell (a five-time Oscar nominee for writing and/or directing The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle), delivering a film about one of the most game-changing broadcasters and a gaming legend, it would seem like Madden would be ready-made for Oscar season, Amazon MGM’s strategic decision notwithstanding. We’ll see if the film delivers.
