An actor has quit the upcoming biopic Madden, starring Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage, due to concerns over a nude scene and use of the N-word in the script.
A major actor has reportedly quit the highly anticipated upcoming biopic Madden, starring Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage.
reportedly because they were asked to do a nude scene and say the N-word in the film. Based on the life of NFL broadcaster and coach John Madden, the film is already generating buzz based on its cast and exciting storylines.
An insider in the production revealed that the unidentified actor felt that a specific nudity scene was unnecessary and made them uneasy. The scene was said to illustrate a vulnerable situation in the life of the character and resulted in a controversy between the cast and crew.
The actor was also agitated about the use of the N-word in one of the scenes. As the actor clarified, they believed that this language was inappropriate and not part of the story’s center.
The decision of the actor to leave the project surely raised an uproar on the internet, particularly among the fans who were highly interested in the film. Some praised the actor for being unafraid to stand on what they believed in, but others saw the actor’s withdrawal as credible doubts about some insensitive content brought on by the screenwriters trying to be edgy or real.
In response to the backlash, the studio released a statement to clear things up.
“We appreciate and respect the concerns of our former cast member,” the statement read. “Madden’s script is meant to reflect real events and characters who are complex. We will review the scenes, however, to ensure they are respectful of the story and relevant on some level.”
The studio also made it clear that the use of the N-word is not meant in a casual or shock value way. As stated, the scene was written to depict a moment that the author found difficult from the past when racism was prominent in sports and society.
The statement stated that, “It’s historically important to be honest about the time,” and “We want to be sensitive and responsible with the way we tell that story.”
Christian Bale, who plays the film’s title character John Madden, has not spoken publicly about the controversy. Nicolas Cage, who plays a supporting role, is also refraining from comments for the time being.
Despite the controversy, filming is expected to continue with a new actor taking over the one who left and the studio states the movie is still on schedule for the planned release next year.
Madden is monumentalized by David O. Russell and promises to explore the peaks and valleys of John Madden’s historic tenure, not just as a coach, but as a cultural phenomenon that bridges American football and gaming. Whether the film picks up with more boundary pushing or rethinks its approach is yet to be seen.
Keep reading Celewood.com
