The life of NFL legend John Madden is getting the Hollywood treatment, but the much-anticipated biopic has hit early turbulence just weeks into filming.
Directed by Oscar nominee David O. Russell, the film titled Madden promises to chronicle the football coach’s historic rise, from guiding the Raiders to a Super Bowl win to becoming a broadcasting icon and the face of a blockbuster video game franchise. Nicolas Cage steps into the role of Madden, while Christian Bale portrays former Raiders owner Al Davis.
Madden biopic off to a bumpy start
Although the film is still in its early production stages in Atlanta, a new report claims that tensions behind the scenes are threatening to overshadow the story it hopes to tell.
According to TMZ, a supporting actor walked off set two weeks into shooting, citing discomfort with creative choices that allegedly included the use of a racial slur and full-frontal nudity.
Several cast and crew members reportedly said the actor became upset during an improvised scene involving a racially charged monologue, which led to a temporary shutdown of production.
However, studio sources countered that the actor had previously suggested the scene’s controversial language during a private discussion and that the final take excluded the slur entirely.
The studio also insists that director David O. Russell never used the term on set.
The day before the reported walkout, the same actor allegedly expressed objections to nudity in a locker room scene.
While an intimacy coordinator was brought in to help navigate the situation, sources say the actor remained uncomfortable, prompting Russell to suggest he be excluded from the scene.
In addition to the actor’s exit, others close to the production described the set atmosphere as “chaotic,” attributing some of the tension to the intensity of its lead actors.
Both Cage and Bale are known for their deep commitment to method acting, which reportedly hasn’t eased between takes.
Nonetheless, the studio emphasized that no misconduct involving either star has occurred.
Madden does not yet have a release date, but Amazon MGM Studios has already teased a first-look photo of Cage and Bale in full ’70s Raiders attire.
With the production ongoing and talks reportedly underway for the actor’s possible return, fans will be watching closely to see how the story unfolds, both on and off screen.
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