Despite some hiccups, the shoot goes on when it comes to David O. Russell’s “Madden,” which has Nicolas Cage playing John Madden in a fatsuit, and Christian Bale’s Al Davis looking like a biker junkie.
In leaked photos, Christian Bale has transformed himself again for a role. Sporting slicked-back hair, bleached eyebrows, subtle sideburns, and a wardrobe straight out of the 1980s, it’s meant to channel the look of an old-school NFL player like Davis.
Meanwhile, Russell has indeed decided to insert Cage in a fat suit, given that Madden wasn’t a small guy, in the least bit, and the leaked photos have certainly been eye opening — you can witness it for yourself below.
And yet, despite the fat suits and bleached eyebrows, the film has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding Russell. Last month, an actor reportedly exited the production after Russell allegedly used a racial slur during an impromptu monologue session and pressured the actor to perform in a full-frontal nude scene.
So, what’s the deal with this “Madden” movie? It’s a biographical drama centered on legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden, with Cage stepping into the role. The story follows Madden’s journey from leading the Raiders on the sidelines to becoming the unlikely icon behind one of the most successful sports video game franchises ever: Madden NFL.
The film also stars Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, John Mulaney, and Shane Gillis. The film is being distributed by Amazon MGM. No release date has been announced.
Russell’s last film, 2022’s “Amsterdam,” was savaged by critics, lost 20th Century over $100 million. Russell is a marked man due to past behavior. Before the “Madden” brouhaha, he had been seen punching a Sony exec in the gut at an Oscar party.
