New film The Fighter could live up to its name as foul-mouthed Christian Bale is set to work for one of the most confrontational directors in Hollywood.

The boxing true-life drama, also starring Mark Wahlberg, will be helmed by the controversial David O. Russell – and the potentially explosive team-up is already causing a stir in the industry.

Bale is still haunted by recordings of his foul-mouthed tirade to a crew member during the shoot for Terminator Salvation.

And Russell had an explosive argument with actress Lily Tomlin during the shoot for I Heart Huckabees, calling her the “crudest word imaginable” and throwing equipment on the floor according to the New York Times.

Footage from the expletive-laden incident became a You Tube sensation.

Earlier in his career, Russell even managed to make the ever-cool George Clooney flip.

According to reports, they got into a punch-up during the shoot for Three Kings after taunting Clooney as he complained about the director’s attitude towards the crew.

He also allegedly got Dark Knight director Chris Nolan into a headlock at a party over a dispute.

The new film tells the story of Boston fighter "Irish" Mickey Ward, played by Wahlberg, and how he was helped to the world lightweight title by half-brother Dicky Eklund, played by Bale.

The film has been in the works for a number of years and is set to get into production in July.

Source: Splash News