Madden actor quits film over director David O. Russell using 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.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.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.
“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.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...