Nicolas Cage, Christian Bale are unrecognizable in ‘Madden' photo

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Amazon MGM Studios has started production on its “Madden” film — and a shocking first-look photo of the film’s lead stars was released on Tuesday.

In the image, Nicolas Cage looks unrecognizable with shaggy hair as Oakland Raiders coach-turned-legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden.

9 Nicolas Cage as John Madden and Christian Bale as Al Davis on the set of “Madden.” amazonmgmstudios/Instagram

The same goes for Christian Bale as Raiders owner Al Davis.

The two Oscar winners are in character standing on a football field pointing their Super Bowl rings at the camera.

9 Al Davis and John Madden at NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement in 2006. NFL

“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,” Amazon said in a press release.

David O. Russell is directing and writing the “Madden” biopic, after Cambron Clark wrote an earlier version of the script. Russell, 66, was Oscar-nominated for “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle.”

9 Nicolas Cage at “The Surfer” screening in Los Angeles on April 30, 2025. Roadside Attractions via Getty Images

9 John Madden in the 1970s. Getty Images

The cast also includes John Mulaney as Electronic Arts (EA) founder Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as John’s wife, Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Al’s wife, Carol Davis.

The producing team features Russell, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jonathan Shukat, Matthew Budman, Colin Wilson, David Bloomfield, Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini.

9 Christian Bale attends the “Amsterdam: The IMAX LIVE Experience” in September 2022. Getty Images for 20th Century Studios

9 Al Davis before the start of a Raiders game circa 1975. Getty Images

Madden first gained fame as the coach of the Raiders under Davis’ ownership, leading the team to seven AFC Championship games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season.

He found more success from his broadcasting career and became the name and face of the “John Madden Football” and “Madden NFL” video games.

Madden died in December 2021 at age 85.

9 John Madden celebrates as the Raiders win the divisional playoffs in 1974. MediaNews Group via Getty Images

9 John Madden gets interviewed in the 1970s. Sporting News via Getty Images

Davis, meanwhile, was the owner and general manager of the Raiders for 39 years. He was known for his motto “Just, win, baby.”

The sports legend passed away in October 2011 at age 82. He died of congestive heart failure.

The “Madden” movie was first announced to be in development in 2023. At the time, Will Ferrell was reportedly in talks to play the titular role, per Deadline.

9 David O. Russell is directing “Madden.” Getty Images

Then in April 2024, a report claimed Hugh Jackman was in the mix to play Madden, while Tom Hanks was allegedly entering negotiations to portray Davis.

But a few months later, Cage, 61, was officially cast as Madden. Bale, 51, was later confirmed to be joining the project as Davis.

“Madden” does not yet have a release date.

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