Will Ferrell is reportedly in talks to star as legendary NFL coach John Madden in a Prime Video and MGM film about his life and legacy. Five-time Academy Award nominee David O. Russell is also reportedly attached to the project as a director.
“A Prime Video Sports Original, Madden tells the story of one of the larger-than-life personalities to grace an NFL sideline. All Madden ever wanted was to be a head coach and he was one of the best ever. After winning the Super Bowl, the stress of the job began to destroy him. It forced him away from his dream job, and the film focuses on his friendship with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, and how Madden found a second act that made him far more famous,” a tentative synopsis from Deadline reads.
“He continued his passion for teaching X’s and O’s in different ways. He redefined the notion of the football broadcaster with an outsized personality that led to a big endorsement career for Lite Beer from Miller, Tinactin and other products. Although he’d never played a video game in his life, Madden helped changed the videogame landscape when he became the figurehead for Madden NFL.”
At this time, it is unclear who else may be attached to the project or when it will hit streaming services. More details will be added to this report as they become available.
