Check out Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale in the first look at David O. Russell’s Madden biopic

Christian Bale as Al Davis and Nicolas Cage as John Madden. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick

David O. Russell directs Madden, which stars Nicolas Cage as John Madden, and Christian Bale as Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.

Russell also wrote the film, working from an earlier screenplay by Cambron Clark. The cast also features John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis.

The film will follow former coach Madden’s exit from the league and subsequent partnership with EA Sports to create the pioneering “Madden NFL” video game franchise. The film will explore the rivalry between Madden and Al Davis, in a race against time to develop the ultimate football video game.

Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman had been attached to play Madden at different points in the project, but had to drop out of the running.

Production is currently underway in Atlanta.