Christian Bale has played Batman, a pitch-black Patrick Bateman and a sneering Al Davis — but the role he seems proudest of right now is “dad.”
Speaking to E! News on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film Madden on Wednesday, Nov. 4, the famously private actor made a rare comment about his eldest child, Emmeline “Luka” Bale, and the creative career she is quietly building as a model and photographer.
“She’s incredibly talented as a photographer, as a model herself, and I do see her directing me one day,” the 52-year-old said. “She’s got an amazing mind, an amazing creative brain, incredible visions. I’m so bloody proud of her.”
Asked whether he would actually sign up to be directed by his 21-year-old daughter, Bale did not hesitate. He said he would “completely” be on board — and admitted she might get his best on-set behavior yet. “I’d probably behave better for her than anybody else ever,” he joked. “I’m terrified.”
Luka, whom Bale shares with his wife of more than 25 years, Sandra “Sibi” Blazic, has been finding her own way in fashion for several years. She made her runway debut at 16 for Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show in 2021 and has returned to the label’s couture presentations since, while also working with a handful of high-fashion photographers and editorial teams. She has even popped up on screen in small parts in two of her father’s films, Ford v Ferrari and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Despite her growing profile, Bale said he has not handed down any grand wisdom on living in the public eye — mostly because he still does not feel like an expert himself. “I still don’t know how to do this at all. I still mess it up all the time,” he admitted. “She’s got a great head on her shoulders.”
The Oscar winner also confessed that, at home, his long list of acclaimed performances counts for very little. Luka and her 12-year-old brother, Joseph, are not exactly starstruck. “They’re used to me. They just think I’m insane, but that’s normal. That’s how it is,” he laughed.
The family tends to keep a low profile, but they do occasionally step out together. Bale, Blazic, Luka and Joseph made a rare joint appearance in July 2025 when they attended Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda couture show to cheer Luka on.
As for the movie that brought Bale back to the red carpet, Madden pairs him with Nicolas Cage, who plays NFL coaching and broadcasting legend John Madden. Bale takes on the role of the late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, the brash, controversial boss who hired Madden as head coach. Bale described the shoot as “fantastic” and praised his co-star’s total commitment to the part.
“Seeing Nic’s absolute love of John and devotion to him was wonderful, and equally, I had that love and devotion to Al Davis, who was just such an iconic character,” he told E! News.
Madden opens in select theaters and begins streaming on Prime Video on Nov. 18. If Bale gets his wish, though, the most interesting credit in his future might read: directed by Luka Bale.
Source: Page Six
