Latest news with #DavidO.Russell
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘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.
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Madden first look revealed, starring Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale
Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first official image from Madden, the highly anticipated biopic of NFL coaching legend and broadcasting icon John Madden. Nicolas Cage takes on the titular role with Christian Bale portraying fiery Raiders owner Al Davis. Directed by David O. Russell, the film began production this week and boasts a star-studded cast including John Mulaney as EA Sports founder Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis. Russell, who also co-wrote the screenplay, will chart Madden's evolution from Super Bowl-winning coach to unlikely face of a video game empire. The story follows Madden's rise to prominence as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, where he led the team to a championship before health concerns forced him into early retirement. Pivoting from football to media, Madden became the voice of a generation through his work in the broadcast booth and the blockbuster EA Sports video game franchise that bears his name. The image released shows Cage transformed into the gruff but beloved coach, standing beside Bale's intense portrayal of Davis, capturing the unique relationship between the two towering figures in football history. The film is being produced by Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch, along with Jonathan Shukat, David O. Russell, Matthew Budman, and Colin Wilson. Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini are executive producers through SMAC Entertainment, and the project is being developed in association with Skydance Sports. Madden is one of several high-profile sports dramas Amazon MGM is backing as the genre sees renewed audience interest. The release date has not yet been announced, but expectations are high with a cast that pairs two of Hollywood's most transformative actors under the direction of an Oscar-nominated filmmaker.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jenna Ortega & Robert De Niro Are Pool Hustlers in New David O. Russell Movie
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Golden Globe nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Oscar winner Robert De Niro (Killers of the Flower Moon) have signed on for the leading roles in the upcoming pool hustling drama, Shutout. The project hails from acclaimed filmmaker David O. Russell (American Hustle, The Fighter). This marks De Niro's latest collaboration with Russell after working together in 2015's Jennifer Lawrence-led comedy-drama Joy. What is the new David O. Russell movie about? 'The film follows Jake Kejeune (De Niro), one of the last masters of a vanishing craft — the pool hustler. Having lived and lost by the roll of a ball in smoky backroom halls, Jake encounters Mia (Ortega), a young prodigy whose raw, electrifying talent reignites a fire he thought long extinguished,' reads the official synopsis. 'Sensing a rare opportunity to shape a legend, Jake takes Mia under his wing, honing her instincts and sharpening her natural gift. Together, they plunge into the ruthless world of high-stakes pool, where the line between unimaginable fortune and devastating failure is razor-thin. As Mia's star ascends and her ambition grows, Jake must confront the ultimate question: can he steer her to greatness, or will her hunger for victory eclipse everything he has taught her?' Shutout will be directed by Russell from a screenplay written by Alejandro Adams. The movie will be produced by Russell, Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Mark Bomback. Meanwhile, Black Bear will officially introduce the project to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Market, with CAA Media Finance handling its U.S. rights. 'We're delighted to be collaborating with the acclaimed director David O. Russell and the legendary Robert De Niro, and especially excited to see Jenna step into the spotlight alongside these two cinematic icons,' Kirschenbaum said in a statement. 'It's a rare and thrilling opportunity to support such a high-caliber team coming together to tell a compelling story — a lineup so precise, it feels like the perfect break.' The post Jenna Ortega & Robert De Niro Are Pool Hustlers in New David O. Russell Movie appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
