Nicolas Cage will portray legendary American football coach and sports commentator John Madden in director David O Russell’s biographical drama, Madden. Russell, who is also writing and producing the film, was reportedly considering Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman before casting the Arcadian actor.

The filmmaker issued a statement, saying, “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.”