After playing the beloved X-Men character Wolverine once again for Deadpool & Wolverine, Hugh Jackman could next be taking on the role of an NFL legend. According to a new report, Jackman is set to play John Madden in an upcoming biopic.
In 2023, it was reported that Will Ferrell was eyed for the lead role in a John Madden biopic helmed by director David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle) and written by Cambron Clark. The latest update on the film, in the works for Amazon and MGM, shared by known movie scooper Daniel Richtman, suggests that Ferrell is off the project. According to Richtman, Jackman will be replacing Ferrell in the role of John Madden. Additionally, it’s rumored that Tom Hanks is in talks to join the project to play Al Davis.
Madden is well known for his work as a broadcaster, which followed a sting working as the head coach for the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978. His name has been used frequently for official NFL video games, making him even more well known. Madden died in 2021 at the age of 85.
As of now, Jackman’s casting in the biopic hasn’t been officially announced for verified by the studio. That makes it so time will have to tell if the casting comes to fruition. For now, fans can prepare to see Jackman back on the big screen with his newest movie, Deadpool & Wolverine. The film, which is one of the most anticipated upcoming releases, will be the only MCU movie to be released in theaters for the year.
Hugh Jackman Is Still Playing Wolverine
Jackman hasn’t been seen in film since 2022’s The Son, though he’s been doing voiceover work for the animated shows The SImpsons, Koala Man, and Rick and Morty. He’s come a long way since breaking out as Wolverine in the original X-Men film in 2000, though he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Franchise co-star Anna Paquin recently shared how Jackman’s Wolverine casting never got to his head.