"I thought that was Donald Trump in 1999": NFL fans react to first look at Nicolas Cage as John Madden in David O’Russell’s movie

The first photo of Nicolas Cage dressed as John Madden hit social media on Friday, and NFL fans had plenty to say. The images show Cage in full makeup and wardrobe for the upcoming biopic about the Hall of Fame coach.

Fans immediately flooded the comments:

"I thought that was Trump in 1999," one fan said.

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"Anyone else at first look think this was a Trump parody movie?" another fan said. "Madden or trump?" a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans.

"Bro looks like Donald Trump," one fan said. "That's gonna be epic fam," another fan said. "He looks hilarious," one fan said.

Prime Video released the teaser during Wednesday night's matchup between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The film tracks John Madden's career from his championship days coaching Oakland to his work creating the famous EA Sports video game series. The film will be directed by David O'Russell, with Christian Bale playing Raiders owner Al Davis and John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins from Electronic Arts.

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Russell returns with a star-studded John Madden football drama

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This marks David O. Russell's first time behind the camera since Amsterdam three years ago. Cambron Clark wrote the initial screenplay before Russell took over writing duties. The director discussed Nicolas Cage's casting in August 2024.

“Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spirit of originality, fun and determination in which anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden,” Russell said.

Kathryn Hahn portrays Virginia Madden in the film, while Sienna Miller plays Carol Davis. Photographers caught Bale on set wearing period-accurate Raiders gear back in June.

John Madden spent five decades working in professional football before his death in December 2021. He was 85. His coaching run with Oakland in the 1970s established him as one of the game's best minds. He then moved to broadcasting, collecting 16 Sports Emmy Awards across three decades.

The movie arrives on Prime Video next November, scheduled for Thanksgiving 2026.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25