Here's why Nicolas Cage respects 'Madden' director David O. Russell

After turning down roles in top-notch filmmakers’ films such as Christopher Nolan, Woody Allen, and Paul Thomas Anderson, Nicolas Cage is struggling in his career.

The New York Times interviewed the 62-year-old American actor and film producer on May 23, where he revealed that none of them has contacted him yet since he rejected the roles they offered him.

Reflecting on his forthcoming film Madden, which stars him as the legendary NFL coach, John Madden, Cage admitted he signed the project because of director David O. Russell.

He shared, "I really didn't know who he was. I don't have, in my view anyway, much in common with him. David O. Russell offered me a movie a million years ago. It was a good movie, and he offered it and I said no, and he's the only director that I ever said no to who actually came back and offered me another movie."

The Ghost Rider star stated that “most” directors "get their feelings hurt and don't call you back" after he refused to accept their projects.

"It's happened a million times to me. It's happened with Christopher Nolan, it's happened with Woody Allen, it's happened with Paul Thomas Anderson. They don't call me back,” he claimed.

For those unaware, Nicholas Cage is playing the role of the late Oakland Raiders head coach Madden, who later became a commentator and video game pioneer, in the upcoming film.

It is pertinent to mention that Madden is scheduled to be released in theatres on November 26, 2026.