Christian Bale is no stranger to jaw-dropping physical transformations. From shedding 25kg in just four months for The Machinist to gaining 40 pounds and bleaching his eyebrows to play former Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice, the 53-year-old actor is Hollywood's ultimate chameleon.
Now, the Oscar winner undergoes another striking transformation for the upcoming biographical sports drama Madden.
© Chuck Zlotnick/PrimeThe American Psycho actor stars opposite Nicolas Cage in the film, which centres on legendary NFL coach, broadcaster, and video game icon John Madden. The story follows Madden (Cage) as he leads the Oakland Raiders – owned by Al Davis (Bale) – to Super Bowl victory in 1977. Forced to retire due to health issues, Madden pivots to television, reinventing himself as a beloved NFL analyst and helping launch EA's blockbuster video game franchise.
In the trailer, Bale looks almost unrecognizable with slicked-back hair and Davis's signature dark sunglasses. Cage similarly undergoes a dramatic transformation, wearing a bodysuit and extensive prosthetics to embody Madden.
What is Madden about?
Directed by David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle), the film tells the incredible story of John Madden, one of the most iconic figures in American football history.
John was head coach of the Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading them to Super Bowl victory in 1977. After his retirement, he became a successful sports broadcaster and partnered with EA Sports to lend his expertise to the Madden NFL video game franchise, one of the best-selling game series of all time.
© Chuck Zlotnick/PrimeHe died on 28 December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
Al Davis was the managing general partner and principal owner of the Oakland Raiders for 39 years, from 1972 until his death in 2011.
The official synopsis reads: "Inspired by the life of a beloved American icon, Madden chronicles John Madden's incredible journey alongside best friend and true original Al Davis – from a Super Bowl-winning partnership with the Raiders, to becoming football’s most recognizable voice, to building the worldwide Madden NFL video game.
© Chuck Zlotnick/Prime"Madden is the celebration of a brilliant mind whose once in a century spirit and personality, partnership with his wife Virginia, lifelong friendships, and infectious love of people and football transcended the world of sports."
Who stars in Madden?
Nicolas Cage (Spider-Noir) leads the cast as Madden, alongside Christian Bale (The Fighter) as Raiders owner Al Davis.
© Chuck Zlotnick / Prime Amazon Content Services LLCThey're joined by a star-studded ensemble cast, featuring John Mulaney (John Mulaney: New in Town) as EA Sports founder Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn (The Studio) as Madden's wife, Virginia, Sienna Miller (Jack Ryan: Ghost War) as Davis' wife, Carol and Shane Gillis (Gilly and Keeves: The Special).
Madden premieres on 18 November on Prime Video.
