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Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paramount Plus just added this iconic Christian Bale movie ahead of its 15th anniversary
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "The Fighter" just hit Paramount Plus this month ahead of its 15th anniversary, and it's definitely one of the movies from the new shows and movies on Paramount Plus this month that you have to watch. If you've never seen this movie before, that's understandable. It was nominated several times at the 83rd Academy Awards, but since then, it's not one of those movies you constantly find on TV or hear cinephiles bringing up time and time again. Plus, like many awards-bait movies, it didn't bring in a ton of money at the box office, falling just shy of $130 million. But I got a chance to watch it earlier this year at the Atlanta Film Festival and I can safely say it's a movie everyone should watch at least once. There are two reasons for this. First, the final boxing match is incredible, and maybe the best boxing match I've ever seen in a movie. Second, Christian Bale's performance is simply incredible. He steals the movie from Mark Wahlberg, and it's no surprise this won him an Oscar. So if you've never seen this David O. Russell sports drama before, now's your chance. Here's why "The Fighter" is a must-watch now that it's available to stream on Paramount Plus. "The Fighter" stars Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward, a boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts. Micky is what you'd call a "stepping stone" boxer. He's the guy you beat to take your career to the next level and get better fights. He's managed by his mother, Alice (Melissa Leo), and trained by his brother Dicky (Christian Bale), a former boxer who is still living off the fame of going a full 10 rounds with legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. Their dynamic is toxic. Alice arranges bad fights for Micky and Dicky is a crack addict who can't be relied on. As Micky develops a new relationship with local bartender Charlene (Amy Adams), he realizes he needs to move his family out of his professional life if he wants a shot at being more than a stepping stone. "The Fighter" is incredibly well made, really good movie. And for the most part, it's just that — really good. But there are two places in which this movie achieves greatness, and chief among them is Bale's performance as Micky's drug addict half-brother. Many of the characters in this movie don't connect with you. You weirdly don't find yourself rooting for Wahlberg's Micky until the final boxing match, which, as I already mentioned, is a technical marvel and probably the best boxing match in any movie, ever. But Dicky's story is incredibly compelling, and Bale knocks it out of the park. He completely embodies the erratic, delusional washed-up boxer throughout the movie in a way that can only be described as transformative. Dicky too, goes on a transformation of his own, and watching Bale first transform himself into the initial iteration of Dicky that we meet at the start of the movie, and then continue to change his performance as the character develops, is simply a masterclass in acting. So while much of this movie is good, yet forgettable, Bale's performance and the final fight will stick with you long after you watch it. Don't believe me? Boot up Paramount Plus now and watch it for yourself. Then go watch "Training Day" on Paramount Plus once you're done, which also features an incredible, Oscar-winning performance. Stream "The Fighter" now on Paramount Plus I was worried about 'The Sandman' season 2 — but the first episode proved me wrong Brad Pitt's 'F1' is 'Top Gun: Maverick' with cars — I'm so glad I didn't wait for it to hit Apple TV Plus Ryan Gosling's new movie looks like 'Interstellar' meets 'The Martian' — and the first trailer looks awesome
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christian Bale Looks Totally Unrecognizable in New NFL Biopic
Christian Bale has made a career out of disappearing into roles, but his latest transformation may be one of his most dramatic yet. The Oscar-winning actor was recently spotted on the Atlanta set of "Madden," a biopic about legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden. He's nearly unrecognizable as late Raiders owner Al Davis. People reported that photos from the set show Bale, 51, in full character, wearing a receding hairline wig, bleached eyebrows, leather jacket, black slacks and several championship rings. The era-specific look is a bold and uncanny match for the larger-than-life NFL figure he's portraying. The biopic, directed by David O. Russell, reunites Bale with the filmmaker behind "The Fighter" and "American Hustle." The story follows Madden's rise from Super Bowl-winning coach to beloved broadcaster and namesake of the blockbuster football video game franchise. Nicolas Cage stars as Madden, sporting his own transformation with a wavy blond wig and bright blue tracksuit. Bale's role as Davis is central to the story. Davis was the principal owner of the Raiders from 1972 until his death in 2011 and helped shape the team's famously aggressive identity. He and Madden worked together during the team's most successful stretch, including their victory in Super Bowl XI in 1977. Amazon MGM Studios describes the film as a tribute to Madden's 'remarkable journey,' chronicling his coaching legacy, cultural influence and longtime partnership with Davis. Also joining the cast are John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis. Madden coached the Raiders from 1969 to 1978 and went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in football. He won 16 Sports Emmy Awards, helped launch the Madden NFL video game series and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He died in 2021 at age 85. Amazon MGM Studios has not announced a release date for "Madden."Christian Bale Looks Totally Unrecognizable in New NFL Biopic first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2025
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christian Bale Transforms Into Unrecognizable Look to Play Al Davis in John Madden Biopic
Christian Bale looks totally unrecognizable on the set of upcoming John Madden biopic Bale plays the late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis The biopic will chronicle the life and career of former Raiders head coach turned NFL commentator John Madden, who died in 2021 at 85Christian Bale looks unrecognizable on the Atlanta set of Madden. Bale, 51, was seen in a receding hairline wig with bleached eyebrows. He wore a white v-neck shirt paired with a leather jacket, black slacks, and dress shoes. The look was completed with a series of championship rings. The actor plays late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis in the upcoming Madden biopic, which will chronicle the life of John Madden. Nicholas Cage stars as the legendary NFL coach, who won Super Bowl XI in 1977 for the Raiders and later became a broadcaster. Earlier this week, Cage was similarly seen in an unrecognizable ensemble, complete with a wavy blonde wig and aqua blue tracksuit. "The film follows Madden's remarkable journey—from his Super Bowl-winning partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders, to creating Madden NFL, and becoming one of the most iconic voices in football history," Amazon MGM Studios said of the film when it was announced on May 13. Also joining the cast are John Mulaney as Trip Hawkins, Kathryn Hahn as Virginia Madden, and Sienna Miller as Carol Davis. David O. Russell, who previously directed Bale in The Fighter and American Hustle, is directing the film. Madden served as head coach of the Raiders from 1969 to 1978. He was one of the youngest head coaches in history when the Raiders hired him at 32. His biggest victory came in January 1977, when he led the Raiders to a 32-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. He went on to work as an expert commentator on NFL telecasts for CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC from 1979 to 2009, and won 16 Sports Emmy Awards. The long-running football video game franchise Madden carries his name. Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Madden died in 2021 in his home in Pleasanton, Calif., at 85. Davis was the principal owner of the Raiders from 1972 until his death in 2011 at 82. His widow, Carol Davis, and their son Mark Davis now own the team. Amazon MGM Studios has not announced a release date for Madden yet. Read the original article on People
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hollywood heartthrob looks unrecognisable on set of new sports biopic – but can you guess who he is?
THIS Hollywood actor looked unrecognisable on set of his new sports biopic - but can you guess who he is? The 51-year-old sported a black leather jacket, slicked back hair and three Super Bowl rings on the set of his new film. 7 7 This Oscar winning actor looked very different to his usual heartthrob looks while filming in Atlanta on Wednesday. The star was spotted strolling around the film set pulling an expression with his mouth open. But have you worked out with A-lister this is? It's none other than Batman star Christian Bale. 7 7 The Hollywood star is currently shooting scenes for his new movie Madden. He is starring alongside US megastar Nicolas Cage as they filmed the hotly-anticipated David O. Russell flick. In costume, Christina bears a striking resemblance to his real life character - the late Al Davis, the Oakland Raiders team owner and manager - and sported a somewhat ruddy complexion. While Nicolas was spotted in a blue and green fatsuit with long hair. He plays Raiders head coach turned-iconic broadcaster John Madden. Comedian John Mulaney stars as Trip Hawkins and British actress Sienna Miller as Al's wife Carol Davis. "The film follows Madden's remarkable journey—from his Super Bowl-winning partnership with Al Davis and the Raiders, to creating Madden NFL, and becoming one of the most iconic voices in football history," Amazon said in a press release. NFL fans recently reacted to Christian and Nicholas' shocking new looks in the upcoming movie. "Wait, is this real?" one asked. "Damn they actually look nothing like their actual selves," another commented. "That can't be John Madden!" a third added. Madden is directed by David O. Russell, who has been Oscar-nominated for hit movies like The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook. Russell also wrote the script for the film, which is based on Madden's personal journey from being an NFL coach to an iconic broadcasting career to the face of EA Sports' Madden NFL video game franchises. Madden died in December 2021 at the age of 85. The longtime owner of the Raiders, Davis, is also featured in the movie. The fiery personality was known for his motto, "Just, win baby." Davis died in October 2011 at the age of 82 due to congestive heart failure. The movie Madden also stars comedian and actor John Mulaney as Electronic Sports founder Trip Hawkins. Last April, it was revealed that Nicolas would be cast as Madden, while Christina was later confirmed to portray the role of Davis. 7
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Actor quits Christian Bale, Nicolas Cage's Madden biopic over 'uncomfortable' nude scene, N-word use; studio clarifies
A new report claims that an actor part of David O Russell's upcoming biopic of American football coach John Madden has left the film after being irked by the director's alleged 'unprofessional' behaviour. The film, titled Madden, stars Nicolas Cage in the titular role, alongside Christian Bale. TMZ quoted crew and cast members from the film saying that when the unnamed actor was working a scene with director Russell last Friday, the filmmaker used the N-word (an offensive slang for black people) in an impromptu monologue. This allegedly upset the actor, along with a few others, who walked off the set. No filming was done after that. The report also quoted crew members saying that the same actor was uncomfortable with filming a nude scene in the film. This angered Russell, whose behaviour was described as 'unprofessional'. However, the outlet then cites studio sources clarifying the situation, saying that using the N-word was not Russell's but the actor's own idea. The source also added that the word was eventually not used in the scene. It is unclear what upset the actor and others if Russell never used the N-word in his monologue. Studio sources also added that 'nudity was not sprung on anyone' and the actor was approached by an intimacy coordinator to suggest a different approach for the scene, but the performer still had an issue. Studio sources said that director David O Russell's reaction was calm. Madden stars Nicolas Cage as John Madden, American football legend and a Hall of Fame coach. Christian Bale stars alongside as Al Davis, Madden's senior and also a popular coach. The film also features John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, and Shane Gillis. Filming began last month. No release date has been announced for Madden yet.
