A tribute to John Madden Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

An upcoming Prime Video Sports Original, Madden, will tell the story of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Madden and, perhaps more specifically, his creation of the famous video game series, “John Madden Football.” The theatrical feature is set to be directed by five-time Oscar nominee David O. Russell.

But who will star as Madden? You might expect comedian Frank Caliendo, who does a spot-on Madden impression, but that’s not the direction Amazon appears to be heading.

Deadline reports that former Saturday Night Live star, Will Ferrell, is currently in talks with Amazon to play the highly successful head coach-turned-broadcaster.

Ferrell seems like a somewhat odd choice to embody the late John Madden. The quirky funny man has spent the vast majority of his career playing comedic roles that sometimes border on the absurd. And while Madden certainly had a good sense of humor, it doesn’t necessarily fit with the over-the-top antics of Ferrell or match his cinematic history. His more popular films include Anchorman, Step Brothers, Elf, Old School and others in that same vein.

The film will be produced by Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jonathan Shukat, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch, who is co-owner of the New York Giants alongside John Mara.

Because of Tisch’s involvement, it is expected that the NFL will sign off on the project and embrace the film.

The real question is how true to life Amazon will be with the flick. While “John Madden Football” — later renamed “Madden NFL” in 1993 — remains a popular video game franchise, it has fallen off in recent years with critics claiming EA got “lazy” and continue to reproduce the same thing over and over again.

One thing is for certain, there must be turducken.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars

Want more NFL news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.