Slicked-back Christian Bale bats away his Dark Knight image to play NFL great Al Davis in Madden biopic
Christian Bale was more cantankerous coach than caped crusader as he appeared on set this week for his latest film.
The actor - famed for his roles in Batman and American Psycho - was seen shooting scenes for the NFL-themed biopic, Madden, in which he will play the late Oakland Raiders owner and manager Al Davis.
For the shots, the 51-year-old Hollywood star had balding hair slicked back and wore a leather jacket and white T-shirt.
The David O Russell movie boasts an all-star cast, with Nicolas Cage starring as John Madden, the Raiders coach and NFL broadcaster who gave his name to the Madden NFL video game.
John Mulaney plays Trip Hawkins, the founder of Electronic Arts, while Sienna Miller plays Madden's wife.
Al was the managing general partner, principal owner and de facto general manager of the Raiders for 39 years, from 1972 until his death in 2011.
On Monday, Sienna and Kathryn Hahn were spotted for the first time in their elegant retro attire as they got into character.
Sienna, 43, was particularly glammed up with voluminous blonde curls, beaded necklaces and a glimmering dress with a 60s-inspired print.
Kathryn - who plays Virginia Madden - was outfitted in over-sized sunglasses, a chic pea coat and striped turtleneck.
Sienna is playing Carol Davis, who was married to Oakland Raiders owner Al from 1954 until his death in 2011.
While the Raiders are now in Las Vegas, the team has remained in the Davis family since Al died.
Carol is now 95 and is part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, after inheriting the team from her spouse.
Their only child, son Mark Davis, 70, also inherited the organization and is now owner.
After the team officially moved to Sin City's Allegiant Stadium, Carol helped christen the venue by lighting the Al Davis Torch Memorial ahead of the Las Vegas Raider's inaugural game in 2020.
'There's only one person that can possibly light it, and she's agreed to do it, that's the first lady of the Raider Nation - my mom,' Mark told ESPN at the time.
'I get chills thinking about it. I get goosebumps thinking about it. Probably tears thinking about it. But there's nobody that could have lit it other than her.
'Because it's really a tough time in the country, but also here in Nevada, we don't want to seem that we're celebrating or anything of that nature.
'But to have my mom light that torch means so much, and I think it will mean a lot for everybody in this valley, so I'm excited.'
Like the Davis couple, Virginia was married to John Madden from 1959 until his death in December 2021. They have two sons.
In early 2022, Virginia returned to the RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland to pay tribute to her late husband at One More Monday Night in Oakland: A Celebration of John Madden.
'When John passed, I said, "I want to have a gathering at the coliseum," ' she said.
'I know he's up there and I know he's smiling down on all of his players that are here and all of you people, the fans that supported him for so many years.'
A synopsis of the Madden film on IMDb reads: 'After being forced into retirement by the Oakland Raiders, fiery former NFL head coach John Madden teams up with a mild-mannered Harvard programmer to rewrite his fading legacy by building the world's first football video game.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
20 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering
RAM just made your next truck decision a lot harder Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That's right—twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More It's not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that's getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. Why RAM is going all in on warranty So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today's truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever—12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed their warranty to reflect that reality. 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express with HEMI® V-8 — Source: RAM 'We think this gives people a real reason to switch,' Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners—especially in the long haul. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year. This comes at a pivotal moment for RAM RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page. 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel X — Source: Ram Under new leadership, including Kuniskis' return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline 'Nothing Stops RAM'. This warranty announcement isn't just a sales gimmick; it's part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales. Final thoughts Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM's warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles. 2025 Ford F-150 Lobo Package — Source: Ford And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren't worried yet, they probably should be. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Reuters
23 minutes ago
- Reuters
Goalkeeper Andrada denies River Plate to earn draw for Monterrey
LOS ANGELES, June 21 (Reuters) - Monterrey held on to claim a 0-0 draw with River Plate in Group E of the Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl on Saturday as both clubs maintained their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. Goalkeeper Esteban Andrada made vital second-half saves from Franco Mastantuono and Miguel Borja to secure a point for the Mexican side, who had drawn their opening game against Inter Milan on Tuesday. River Plate's Kevin Castano was sent off in injury time for a second bookable offence as his side moved level on four points with the Italians at the top of standings. Monterrey sit two points behind the Argentinian side. River Plate will next face Inter Milan in Seattle on Wednesday, while Monterrey take on already-eliminated Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan at the Rose Bowl.
Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Paige Spiranac breaks her silence on bizarre internet conspiracy theory about her
Paige Spiranac has cleared up a bizarre internet conspiracy theory after fans thought they saw her in a viral video. During the week, a video spread on X featuring a blonde woman chugging a drink and holding onto a moving golf cart. The woman then lost her grip of the vehicle before slamming hard on the ground. And while the original clip has been viewed 2.7million times on the platform, Spiranac wanted her fans to know that it wasn't her in the video. 'I would like to clear up the speculation,' she wrote. 'This is not me. We all know I wouldn't be wearing a polo.' The humorous post comes after Spiranac announced some big news in May. The social media sensation has become one of the most popular figures in the golf world The golf influencer, who failed to make it on the LPGA Tour, told fans that she'd be taking her golf knowledge to the Grass League - the first high-stakes par 3 golf league - where she will look to translate her social media success to the front office. While Spiranac didn't confirm the exact title of her new position, the Grass League announced that 'golf's most influential female voice' would be joining in a 'strategic leadership role.' 'A trailblazer in both professional golf and modern sports media, Spiranac will work closely with league leadership to shape the long-term vision and growth strategy for The Grass League,' a press release read. 'Her role will encompass brand development, storytelling, creative, business development and overall content and audience strategy, positioning the league to scale it's reach across digital, broadcast, and live experiences.' Spiranac's appointment came shortly after the league's 2025 season kickstarted earlier in May with the circuit making its debut last year. The upstart stages evening competitions at LED-lit Par 3 venues with teams representing regional franchises competing in a two-player scramble format. I would like to clear up the speculation. This is not me. We all know I wouldn't be wearing a polo. — Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 21, 2025 Though Spiranac did not reach the levels she hoped to on the course, quitting the sport has turned out to be an extremely profitable career move for the golf's glamour girl. She has garnered the most followers in the golfing world with four million, beating even Tiger Woods, who pocketed $10million for finishing top of the PGA Tour's PIP, a venture designed to reward players with the biggest social media following, last year. And thanks to her army of followers, the 32-year-old is said to make as much as $10,698 per post.
