Will Ferrell reportedly in talks to play John Madden in new film
Will Ferrell and sports on the silver screen are no strangers. And the acclaimed comedic actor might soon be playing the late NFL coaching and broadcasting icon John Madden.
Ferrell is in talks to star in the filmed, titled Madden, according to Deadline. The project is being produced for Amazon/MGM and is reportedly set to be directed by David O. Russell, who has directed films such as American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook.
Madden would likely be available and streamed via Amazon Prime.
The current strike by Hollywood screen writers has halted a current do-over of the script, according to Deadline.
Madden died on Dec. 28, 2021. He was 85.
Madden’s life has material enough for several movies, let alone one. Per the report, the film would zero in on Madden after his coaching career ended and follow his transition from coaching legend to broadcaster — and his idyllic status. It will also focus heavily on his relationship with the late Al Davis, who owned the Raiders, where he won a Super Bowl as head coach.
Madden amassed a 112-39-7 record as a head coach, winning more than 73% of the games he coached.
But it was his role as a broadcaster and subsequently the face of a video game franchise bearing his name that took Madden from Super Bowl winning coach to, simply, Madden.
The video game franchise lives on, with more than three decades of yearly editions produced. And on TV, Madden became a football ambassador, teaching viewers at home not only how to better understand the game but to love it, too.
Ferrell, frankly, is a decent bet to capture to the zany, boisterous persona that became synonymous with the NFL. He’s starred in films such as Semi-Pro and Blades of Glory, but rather hammy comedies. It seem this new project on Madden might be a touch more serious, but Ferrell as the NFL legend should still produce some great laughs.
And there will surely be a great turkey leg scene in there, somewhere.
A wholly separate sports media move is potentially shaking up ESPN
“The Pat McAfee Show” has a potential time slot. However, according to a new report from Front Office Sports, Max Kellerman won’t be happy about it. The sports business outlet is reporting that the former Colts kicker’s show could take over Kellerman’s “This Just In” time slot, which currently starts at 2 p.m. ET.
“ESPN will likely pave the way for the addition of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ by canceling Kellerman’s weekday afternoon program,” according to FOS.
Not only is Kellerman’s talk show at risk, but the report also reveals that ESPN is looking to cut roughly $30 million from their existing talents’ salaries. They will reportedly pull most heavily from NFL and NBA talents.