David O. Russell’s film about superstar NFL coach John Madden, starring Nicolas Cage in the titular role, is already off to a rocky start after the controversial director allegedly used the N-word, triggering an actor to leave the star-studded project.
Five cast and crew members told TMZ that the supporting actor and the historically abrasive Oscar nominee, 66, were workshopping a spur-of-the-moment monologue when the latter allegedly used the slur. It was then that the actor and some other performers walked off set before taking lunch Friday, two weeks after production kicked off.
Amazon Studios sources told TMZ that not only did the “Silver Linings Playbook” filmmaker not say the N-word, but that the actor suggested including it, following a “private creative conversation” with O’Russell.
The alleged walk-out occurred a day after the actor has another reported dust-up with O’Russell when the former took issue with full frontal nudity in a locker room scene, though Amazon insiders say actors knew “well in advance” that birthday suits would be sported.
Cast and crew members told TMZ that O’Russell had an “unprofessional” reaction to the actor’s objections. Studio insiders maintain he “calmly” conveyed to the actor he needn’t be in the shot.
Amazon sources told the outlet that there are ongoing “conversations” to get the actor back on set.
The film, which also stars Christian Bale as former Oakland Raiders honcho Al Davis, centers on the efforts of a retired Madden to rebrand his legacy with the help of the first-ever football video game. Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney, Sienna Miller and Shane Gillis also star.
