David O. Russell Sparks Actor Walkout On "Madden" Biopic Set Over Use Of Racial Slur

Which of David O. Russell's fights with actors was more unprofessional? His fist fight with George Clooney on Three Kings over his abuse of an Extra or his verbal tirade with Lily Tomlin on I Heart Huckabees?

Tensions have erupted on the set of David O. Russell’s untitled John Madden biopic just two weeks into filming. The high-profile production—starring Nicolas Cage as Madden and Christian Bale as Raiders owner Al Davis—was reportedly disrupted after Russell used the N-word during a spontaneous monologue session, prompting one actor and several others to walk off set.

According to insiders, the incident occurred when Russell fed dialogue to an actor via earpiece during an improvised rehearsal. The actor immediately objected to repeating the racial slur. Witnesses claim Russell became irate, shouting, “Just f*cking say it!” and belittling those who refused to participate.

The fallout saw half of the actors portraying football players exiting the set in protest, creating what sources called a “hostile atmosphere.” This marks another clash for Russell, whose volatile reputation was previously highlighted in on-set altercations with George Clooney (Three Kings) and Lily Tomlin (I Heart Huckabees).

The controversy follows an earlier dispute between the same actor and Russell over a full-frontal locker room scene, with crew members criticizing the director’s combative handling despite Amazon stating that all cast members had been informed ahead of time.

While Amazon remains committed to the project—which explores Madden’s legacy through his iconic video game—the studio is reportedly working to reconcile with the departed actor.

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Source: World Of Reel

Photo Credit: Warner Bros./Searchlight