EXCLUSIVE: Nic Cage Thought He Would Just Be Playing a Game of Madden When Approached for Role
Star thought he was just offered the sticks.
Editor’s Note: This scoop originally appeared on The Hollywood Time$ Substack on May 14, 2025
From the bushes outside of MGM Tower, I can now confirm that Nicolas Cage, who is set to play John Madden in the upcoming biopic, originally thought that writer and Director David O. Russell was challenging him to a game of Madden 2026.
“David said, ‘you want to play Madden?’ and honestly I’m always down for a game,” Cage said in an interview, prior to describing how he loves to play as the Philadelphia Eagles and run the ball with Saquon Barkley and never punting on fourth down. “So, I said yes to him, and he said he would send all the paperwork to my agent. I was very confused. You do not need paperwork to catch these hands in Madden.”
I caught up with Cage on the set of Madden where the confusion has continued for the star.
“Where the fuck is David with the controller,” Cage said in full makeup and costume on a set that mirrored a broadcasting booth. “When you challenge another man in a game of Madden, you should at least have the decency to show up and take your ass whooping. Sounds like David can dish it out but does not know how to take it.”
I attempted to interview Russell for this piece, but he got aggressive with me and placed me in a headlock.
Cage is repped by WME and Stride Management. The bush I hid in for this story was a lush Meadow holly.
