Nicolas Cage steps into the shoes of John Madden, the legendary coach and broadcaster, opposite Christian Bale in Madden, a biopic from director David O. Russell. The full trailer for the film was just unveiled by Prime Video, and it will premiere worldwide on November 18, 2026.
Inspired by John Madden’s life, the story traces the journey that took him from the NFL sidelines to the heart of American pop culture. He captained the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, winning Super Bowl XI before stepping away from the field to become one of the most recognizable voices in football on television.
The film centers on its relationship with Al Davis, the Raiders owner portrayed by Christian Bale. Their collaboration lifts the team to the summit, but their personalities and views on the sport fuel a complex dynamic. The trailer shows the two men assembling a squad of players deemed outsiders, before the tensions that accompany success begin to surface.
Madden isn’t limited to the on-field life of its central figure. The film also traces his transition into a commentator, then his encounter with Trip Hawkins, founder of Electronic Arts, played by John Mulaney. In 1988, John Madden lends his name and expertise to a football video game that would spawn the Madden NFL franchise, which has become one of the world’s most popular sports video game series.
Kathryn Hahn plays Virginia Madden, the head coach's wife, while Sienna Miller portrays Carol Davis. The cast also includes Shane Gillis. The film aims to shed light on the personal relationships and friendships that have accompanied Madden throughout her career, beyond her larger-than-life public persona.
David O. Russell, the director of The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, directs the film and handles the screenplay, developed from an initial draft by Cambron Clark. Oscar-winning Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale reunite here more than twenty years after sharing top billing in Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Died in 2021 at the age of 85, John Madden left his mark across sports, television and video games. The film aims to connect these three strands to explain how a coach who became a broadcaster ended up giving his name to a franchise known far beyond American football fans.
To go further, check out our guide to Prime Video’s November releases, the guide to all-platform streaming releases, and the “What to watch today” streaming picks.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
