Le Mans 66 (France 2): This is the surprising reason Christian Bale nearly turned down the role of Ken Miles

Actors who try to dissuade a director from casting him the lead are rare. Christian Bale is one of them. The actor had just shot Dick Cheney’s biography, Vice, when James Mangold offered him the role of legendary pilot Ken Miles. Christian Bale advised her to choose another one, as she had gained nearly thirty pounds: “I didn’t get in the car!” But the star could not miss such a character with a strong character, a symbol of the circuits of the 60s. The D-Day veteran, a former tank driver, was a little nervous: He was shoulder to shoulder with death so often…”Miles was a fascinating man full of contradictions. He was a true purist in his work, never giving up.“, explains Bale, who is also known for his maniacal perfectionism. This is no doubt why Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon), the first American winner of the 24 Hours in 1959, hired him to put an end to the podiums of the Ferraris monopolizing the podiums. hegemony.

Ford vs Ferrari

Businessman Henry Ford II decides to beat him on the field after failing his bid to take over the Scuderia and dreaming of seeing the arrogant Commendatore Enzo Ferrari bite the dust. It will be in Le Mans, France, during the world’s most famous endurance race. Like Miles and Shelby, Bale and Damon respect each other. There is no ego duel between these two Hollywood giants, there is only one common goal: to give everything to make the best movie. As Damon passed through Paris, he told us: “Christian is one of my favorite actors. I’ve watched all of his movies and I have to admit that I’ve been very curious to observe his creative process up close. I was struck by his kindness and humility. He has an admirable discipline.” Ballet brings its character to life, body and soul once again. And it’s not a formula. Such intensity is very rare.

Le Mans 66: Sunday 11 June at 21:10 in France 2

Julien Barcilon