MADDEN-ING

Actor in Nicolas Cage ‘Madden’ Movie Quits Over N-Word and Nudity

The film, directed by David O. Russell, stars Cage as former NFL head coach John Madden.

A supporting actor starring alongside Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale in David O. Russell’s upcoming Madden film walked off set just two weeks into production due to his discomfort with nude scenes and the use of the N-word, according to sources who spoke to TMZ. The site reports that it spoke to five actors who said their co-star walked off the set of the Amazon MGM Studios film, along with others, after Russell used the racist term while diving into an impromptu monologue. After that, the team wrapped for the day, sources said. But studio sources have now told TMZ that it was the unnamed actor’s idea to use the term after creative discussions with the director were held in private. The studio sources said Russell didn’t use the term while shooting, but also didn’t confirm what caused the walk-off. The cast and crew sources allege that Russell acted in an “unprofessional” manner when the actor said he didn’t want to shoot a full-frontal nude scene. The studio claims that the nude shots were discussed in advance of the reported flashpoint. Production on the film, in which Cage plays John Madden and Bale plays Raiders owner Al Davis, has been a “mess,” according to one source who added that Cage and Bale’s intense method acting has contributed to the overall atmosphere. Amazon MGM Studios and reps for Russell have been contacted for comment.