Best reactions to news of Nicolas Cage playing John Madden in biopic include 'National Treasure,' Al Davis references

Sarah Effress

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Best reactions to news of Nicolas Cage playing John Madden in biopic include 'National Treasure,' Al Davis references image

One of the most influential figures in the history of the NFL, there are few better ways to relive the legacy of John Madden than through a biopic. 

Thankfully, writer and director David O. Russell is working on a film about the famed football icon that covers his journey from Super Bowl-winning Oakland Raiders head coach to Madden NFL video game mastermind and revered broadcaster.

Deadline reported Thursday that none other than Academy Award-winning Nicolas Cage is slated to play Madden in the biopic, eliciting some interesting reactions on social media. Cage isn't exactly the late legend's doppelganger, but his wide range of roles across a variety of genres is reassurance that he will hopefully do the part justice.

Here are the best reactions to the news of Cage playing Madden in the film, including plenty of "National Treasure" and Al Davis references.

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Best reactions to Nicolas Cage's John Madden casting

Reactions to Cage's casting as Madden in the biopic were mixed on social media.

Here are some of the best posts about the news so far:

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Why is Nicolas Cage playing John Madden?

Russell, who is well known for his role directing "American Hustle" and "Silver Linings Playbook" among other famous films, elaborated in a statement on why he chose Cage for the Madden role.

“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.

“Together with the ferocious style, focus, and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the feature will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”

Sarah Effress

Sarah Effress Photo

Sarah Effress is an editorial intern for The Sporting News. She is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and loves to talk soccer and women's college sports.