‘Madden' actor quits film over director David O. Russell used N-word on set, uncomfortable nudity: report
Drama is ensuing on the set of 'Madden.'
A supporting actor in the upcoming film starring Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage allegedly quit on Friday, just two weeks after production started, over David O. Russell's alleged use of the N-word on set, TMZ reported on Wednesday.
Five members of the cast and crew reportedly told the outlet that director Russell, 66, allegedly uttered the racial slur while he was working with the unnamed actor on an impromptu monologue.
Advertisement
9 David O. Russell at the 38th Annual American Cinematheque Awards.
Variety via Getty Images
The actor and others were upset by Russell's comment and walked off the set early that day, per TMZ.
But Amazon Studios sources told TMZ that it allegedly was the actor's idea to include the N-word in the scene after a private creative conversation with Russell.
Advertisement
9 Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage on the set of 'Madden.'
amazonmgmstudios/Instagram
The source claimed that Russell didn't say the slur when the scene was shot and the word didn't make it to the final cut.
In addition, cast and crew sources told TMZ that the day before the alleged N-word incident, the same actor refused to shoot a nude scene in a locker room which allegedly upset Russell, who had an 'unprofessional' reaction.
However, studios sources downplayed the alleged incident and claimed that an intimacy coordinator was there to help make the actor feel more comfortable.
Advertisement
9 David O. Russell at the 2025 Annual Atlanta Film Festival.
Getty Images
'But the actor still had an issue,' said TMZ, 'which is when David, calmly, said he didn't have to be in the shot.'
The sources insisted that nudity wasn't sprung on anyone working on the set.
Amazon, per the insiders, is having ongoing 'conversations' with the actor about returning to production.
Advertisement
9 David O. Russell at the 'Lola' premiere in Los Angeles in Feb. 2024.
WireImage
One person involved with the project told TMZ that production has been a 'mess.' They claimed that 'tensions were being exacerbated' by Bale, 51, and Cage, 61, choosing to do method acting in their lead roles.
Sources added that the two Oscar winners haven't been involved in any 'improper' incidents during shooting so far.
The Post has reached out to reps for Russell, Bale and Amazon Studios for comment. Reps for Cage couldn't be reached.
9 Christian Bale attends the 'Amsterdam: The IMAX LIVE Experience' in September 2022.
Getty Images for 20th Century Studios
9 Nicolas Cage at 'The Surfer' screening in LA in April 2025.
Roadside Attractions via Getty Images
'Madden' is starring Cage as Oakland Raiders coach-turned-legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden, while Bale is playing Raiders owner Al Davis.
Amazon shared a first-look photo of Cage and Bale as their 'Madden' characters last week. The actors look unrecognizable while standing on a football field pointing their Super Bowl rings at the camera.
Advertisement
The studio said in a press release that the film 'follows Madden's remarkable journey — from his Super Bowl-winning partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders, to creating 'Madden NFL,' and becoming one of the most iconic voices in football history.'
9 Al Davis and John Madden at the 2006 NFL Pro Football Hall Of Fame Enshrinement.
NFL
9 John Madden before an Oakland Raiders game in the 1970s.
Getty Images
The cast also includes John Mulaney as Electronic Arts (EA) founder Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as John's wife, Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Al's wife, Carol Davis.
Advertisement
Russell — who was previously Oscar-nominated for 'The Fighter,' 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'American Hustle' — is directing and writing the 'Madden' biopic. Cambron Clark wrote an earlier version of the script.
9 David O. Russell speaks on stage at the 2025 Annual Atlanta Film Festival.
Getty Images
Russell has been at the center of controversy before. He was accused of sexual assault by his 19-year-old transgender niece in 2011. He denied the incident, according to Vulture.
He's also been accused of bad behavior by actors George Clooney, Lily Tomlin and Amy Adams over the years. Per the New York Times, in 2003, he got into a physical fight with Christopher Nolan at a party in Hollywood. Nolan famously worked with Bale on their Batman trilogy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott could be making a rare tweak to his accessories this season.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott could be making a rare tweak to his accessories this season. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In this age of on-demand viewership - with social media highlights, constant studio analysis shows, behind-the-scenes footage transcending just the game broadcast - football is as accessible as ever. Advertisement And naturally, most people's eyes are drawn to the quarterback when they watch. So his on-field "look" is as dissected as any player out there. Some players take pride in their assortment of accessories, as if they are playing a real-life version of the Madden video game where each arm sleeve and wristband equips a new attribute to their customizable player performance. Players don't always carefully craft their aesthetic, but die-hard fans tend to notice and care. Especially if the look becomes a signature style for the player after many years. That is the case for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who has worn the double long sleeve look under his pads for a while now. Advertisement Cowboys Nation has grown accustomed to their QB1's appearance, but nostalgic highlights of Dak's breakout rookie season in 2016 offer a different flavor from when he used to rock a default sleeveless look. For some time, fans have called for Prescott to update his on-field accessories with something new. Maybe this desire is fans' latest delusion that a new look will get the Cowboys closer to a Super Bowl. Well, Dak may be taking them up on the idea. At OTAs this offseason, Prescott has been seen wearing one arm sleeve rather than his usual two. His practice attire has cycled through different looks in other summers, but has still led to his traditional game-day fit in the fall, so this shouldn't be looked too much into. Advertisement But in a behind-the-scenes video of the Cowboys taking part in "picture day", a subtle tweak to Prescott's look has sent fans into a frenzy, thinking he could actually be making a change for the 2025 season. These pictures and videos are used for various marketing efforts throughout the season, like posters and hype videos shown on the AT&T Stadium jumbotron during games. The idea is for players to wear their full uniform as it will look on the field, accessories and all - Overshown is wearing eight arm bands for those counting at home. However subtle a change, Dak has tweaked his arm sleeve lengths. Advertisement Stop the press! His right arm now features a short-sleeve cut with his left sleeve still at full length. The two sweatbands on his wrist complete the look, but those are pretty standard. At practice, Prescott has been more experimental with his right sleeve length, being seen letting his arm breathe completely at times. Maybe having less constriction on his throwing arm will help mobility? Or maybe his accessories have no bearing on his physical performance and it's simply time for a fresh up. Either way, Cowboys fans are excited about the prospect of a "new-look" Dak. "One sleeve Dak official 🔥" one fan wrote. Advertisement "DAKS AURA OMGGG" another added in appreciation of Prescott's eye-catching change. "Single sleeve in promotional material???" said another hopeful. Dak's aesthetic on the field doesn't dictate his performance in anyway, but it could still draw as much attention from crazed fans (and haters) as much as his touchdown total. Regardless of the level of intrigue, these are the types of things that fill the minds of football fanatics during this offseason lull. What Cowboys fans should really care about is how much the team increases their win total - not Dak's arm-sleeve total - at the end of the season. Advertisement Related: Cowboys' CeeDee Opens Up About Controversial Jerry 'Dagger' Comments Related: Dallas Cowboys Fans Worrying About Trevon Diggs Decision Danger This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Travis Barker, Kourtney Kardashian get booed at WWE Money in the Bank
The WWE crowd wasn't welcoming to Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. The high-profile couple found themselves in the spotlight at WWE's Money in the Bank show Saturday night, drawing a loud chorus of boos at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. Cameras briefly focused on the couple and their son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, as jeers rained in from the audience. Advertisement Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker make a rare public appearance with son Rocky, 1, at WWE Money in the Bank on Saturday night. Netflix Undeterred, Barker flashed a peace sign, while Kardashian smiled and held their child as others booed. Not introduced and directly behind them was actress and big WWE fan Danielle Fishel, most known for starring in 'Boy Meets World.' Advertisement Kardashian and Barker have continued their recurring appearances on 'The Kardashians.' Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Variety via Getty Images Money in the Bank has become one of WWE's signature events over the years. Advertisement This weekend featured the emotional return of Ron 'R-Truth' Killings just days after reports of his release surfaced. Seth Rollins and Naomi claimed the coveted men's and women's briefcases, respectively, with championship match contracts inside. Kardashian and Barker have been married since 2022 and have one son together. Kardashian also has three children with ex-boyfriend Scott Disick.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- New York Post
Jordan Love ‘can't wait' for Aaron Rodgers duel in Packers-Steelers game
Outside of his late June wedding date to tie the knot with longtime girlfriend Ronika Stone, Jordan Love has another reunion on his mind. On Oct. 26, Love will face off against former teammate and friend Aaron Rodgers, who is the Steelers' new No. 1 quarterback, when the Packers travel to Acrisure Stadium for the primetime 'Sunday Night Football' slot. 'It's going to be fun. It's going to be awesome. I'm excited for it,' Love told Channel 3000 during a break in Friday's first round of the American Family Insurance Championship at TPC Wisconsin. 'I can't wait to be on different sides, meeting up, and I know we'll talk pre-game, things like that. And hopefully we can exchange jerseys after.' Advertisement 4 Jordan Love #10 and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers work out during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field on July 29, 2021 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. Getty Images Rodgers was in Love's ear for three years after the Packers drafted the former Utah State quarterback at 26th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Love watched Rodgers win back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021. In those same seasons, he led the Packers to the playoffs and went as far as the divisional round in 2021. In 2022, he witnessed Rodgers' final season in the green and gold, which ended with an 8-9 record. Advertisement Love learned of Rodgers' new team the same way as everyone else, and is happy for his former teammate to find a new home after an unlucky and dissappointed stint with the Jets. 'I was excited for A-Rod. I don't think I was too surprised,' Love said. 'I feel like there were a lot of rumors going on throughout the whole offseason about him going to the Steelers. 'I was excited for him, that he was obviously coming back and going to be playing. There were also some rumors that he might be done, so just knowing he's going to keep playing, that's pretty awesome.' 4 Aaron Rodgers #12 and Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers look on prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Getty Images Advertisement The signing with the Steelers sparked memories to come up for Love about Rodgers' mentorship, along with how Brett Favre approached a young Rodgers. 'I appreciate definitely the way A-Rod handled being in that situation, and I think a big part of it — which he told me — was he knew how it was for him being in that same position, and the things that he went through and the way the situation might've been handled [differently],' Love said. 'I think his perspective was, 'I'm trying to go about this a little bit differently,' which I think was awesome. 'In my time with A-Rod, we had a great relationship. It was awesome being in the same room with him, being able to learn. He was amazing with everything. And I definitely appreciate the way he handled everything on the outside with obviously him leaving and me taking over, and he's been very supportive of me [since]. 'It definitely helped with some of the negativity that might've come with that. But A-Rod handled it like a pro and did very right by me.' Advertisement 4 Brett Favre (4) with Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (12) after game at Humphrey Metrodome. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima 4 Jordan Love (10) talks with cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) during an NFL football practice Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. AP Favre's unretirement in 2008 and showing up at training camp to reclaim his old job led to a contentious relationship between the two. The pro-Favre part of the fan base took out frustrations on Rodgers, which left a mark on the quarterback. Thus, the Packers-Steelers game will have a very different energy to it than the games of Favre facing the Packers with the Vikings in 2009 and 2010. 'He'd been through the very same situation I was in, and he knew what it feels like to be in that situation,' Love said. 'I think that's just a testament to his character and the way he treats people. He was trying to go about it differently than it was for him. And I was grateful for that.'
