The Madden series started with John Madden Football in 1988 on the Apple II computer. But it was the 1990 version on the SEGA Genesis that truly exploded its popularity. Since then, EA has been extending the exclusive Madden partnership to create the most dominant football game, year after year. And today, a teaser trailer just dropped for the upcoming Madden movie that celebrates the sport, the video games, and, of course, John Madden himself.
The movie will star Nicolas Cage as John Madden, Christian Bale as Al Davis, as well as comedians John Mulaney and Shane Gillis. From the short trailer, Christian Bale already looks incredibly convincing as Al Davis, nailing the voice and mannerisms of the iconic Oakland Raiders owner. Releasing around Thanksgiving in 2026, this movie is one to look out for.
How Much Will We See of The Madden Games?
According to the YouTube description, “Madden follows the football legend from Super Bowl glory with the Raiders to revolutionizing the game with Madden NFL.” It appears that the film will focus on Madden’s dedication and brilliance, as demonstrated with the Oakland Raiders, while also showcasing the rise of the Madden NFL football games.
In the trailer, at the 0.26 mark, you can spot an easter egg of the original John Madden Football being played on what appears to be an Apple II. We also know that comedian John Mulaney will be playing Trip Hawkins. Hawkins was the founder of Electronic Arts and was heavily involved in the creation of the first game with John Madden.
For those unfamiliar with the behind-the-scenes history, the “Madden” we know today almost never happened. Trip Hawkins spent years trying to convince a reluctant Madden to put his name on a video game. Madden, ever the purist, famously insisted that the game had to be a “11-on-11” simulation rather than a simplified arcade version, even though the hardware of the late 80s could barely handle it.
The film will likely explore this friction: Madden’s obsession with authentic coaching, Al Davis’s “Just Win Baby!” attitude with the Raiders, and Hawkins’s vision for the future of entertainment.
