Christian Bale, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Bruce Wayne, has attained legendary status in the world of acting. However, a new tell-all book sheds light on a darker side of the 38-year-old actor, revealing a deep-seated animosity towards Leonardo DiCaprio and an unusual personal collection.
According to Christian Bale’s former publicist, Harrison Cheung, during his teenage years, Bale maintained a peculiar and eerie collection of animal fetuses preserved in jars within his bedroom. This unsettling collection blended into the disorderly and untidy household he shared with his father and older sister in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, where he had relocated to pursue his acting aspirations.
Harrison Cheung, who served as Bale’s publicist and confidant for over a decade, has penned a biography titled “Christian Bale: The Inside Story Of The Darkest Batman.” In this book, Cheung delves into the actor’s life, claiming that his association with Bale left him with post-traumatic stress.
The book suggests that Bale harbored a deep enmity towards Leonardo DiCaprio, stemming from losing out on numerous film roles to “The Great Gatsby” star. The name “DiCaprio” apparently haunted Christian Bale.
Over the years, Bale reportedly lost roles in films like “This Boy’s Life” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” to DiCaprio. He also auditioned for the part of Mercutio in “Romeo & Juliet” but was informed that the role would go to an African American actor instead. Similarly, Bale vied for the role of Jack Dawson in “Titanic” but was told that James Cameron preferred American actors for the lead roles.
The rivalry extended to 1999 when both actors auditioned for the role of the sexual predator Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.” The book claims that Bale secured the role after pleading with the film’s director. Ewan McGregor was also a contender for the part, but Bale allegedly contacted him, urging him not to accept the role so that he could have it.
The biography also highlights Christian Bale’s early-life temper, which mirrored that of his late father. Both father and son would react vehemently to perceived offenses. The book recounts an incident at an Enterprise Rent A Car near their Manhattan Beach residence when Christian’s anger escalated to the point where the employee at the counter felt threatened and gestured toward the security camera for protection.
These revelations offer a glimpse into the complexity of Christian Bale’s personality and his intense rivalry with Leonardo DiCaprio throughout their careers.