15 Biggest On-Set Fights Between Co-Stars

Movie sets are high-pressure environments where egos, stress, and creative differences can spark conflicts. When co-stars clash, the drama behind the scenes can sometimes overshadow the film itself.

This article explores notable on-set feuds between actors, from heated arguments to physical altercations, that disrupted productions. These stories reveal the tensions that can flare when personalities collide under the spotlight.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy played reluctant allies in this post-apocalyptic epic, but their off-screen dynamic was icy. Theron was frustrated by Hardy’s frequent tardiness, once calling for him to be fined for delaying the crew.

Tensions peaked during a heated confrontation after Hardy arrived three hours late, with Theron feeling ‘scared’ by his intensity. They barely spoke afterward, though both later admitted the pressure of the shoot fueled their clash.

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford’s legendary rivalry hit a boiling point on this film’s set. Their feud, rooted in earlier romantic and professional jealousies, turned the production into a battleground.

Davis reportedly kicked Crawford during a scene, while Crawford retaliated by adding weights to her pockets for a scene where Davis had to carry her, straining Davis’s back. Their mutual disdain made for a toxic set.

I Love Trouble (1994)

Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte’s rom-com was anything but romantic behind the scenes. Roberts found Nolte’s gruff demeanor irritating, while Nolte was annoyed by her attitude, leading to constant bickering.

Their dislike was so intense that they often filmed scenes with stand-ins rather than each other. Roberts later called Nolte ‘disgusting’ in an interview, and he fired back, saying she wasn’t ‘nice.’

Lawless (2012)

Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy’s on-set dynamic during this Prohibition-era drama turned physical. Director John Hillcoat confirmed a fight broke out, requiring both actors to be restrained.

LaBeouf claimed he knocked Hardy out with one punch, though Hardy denied it, saying they were just wrestling for fun. Either way, their clash added tension to an already gritty production.

Three Kings (1999)

George Clooney clashed with director David O. Russell, not a co-star, but the fallout affected the set. Clooney was fed up with Russell’s harsh treatment of extras, leading to a physical altercation where Russell headbutted him.

Clooney grabbed Russell by the throat in response, and though they finished the film, their relationship never recovered. The incident left the cast and crew on edge.

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)

Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty, stars of this teen drama, had a rivalry that turned physical. Their clashing personalities led to a moment where they ‘took it outside’ after Doherty pulled Garth’s skirt.

No punches were thrown, but scratches were exchanged, and other cast members had to intervene. Both later admitted their youth and egos fueled the tension.

Saturday Night Live (1975-Present)

Bill Murray and Chevy Chase got into a dressing-room brawl during Chase’s return to host in 1978. Murray, replacing Chase after his departure, mocked him as a ‘medium talent,’ sparking a fight.

John Belushi took the brunt of punches trying to break it up. The two later reconciled, working together on ‘Caddyshack’ (1980), but the incident became SNL legend.

The Lords of Flatbush (1974)

Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere were set to co-star in this coming-of-age drama, but their feud derailed Gere’s involvement. Stallone was irritated by Gere’s ‘badass’ attitude, and tensions snapped when Gere spilled mustard on him.

Stallone elbowed Gere in the head, leading to a shoving match. The director fired Gere, replacing him with Perry King, ending their brief but fiery clash.

Executive Decision (1996)

John Leguizamo and Steven Seagal’s on-set dynamic turned violent during this action thriller. Leguizamo laughed at Seagal’s self-important attitude, prompting Seagal to slam him against a wall with an aikido move.

The incident left Leguizamo winded and bitter, and Seagal’s reputation for on-set aggression only grew. Their clash highlighted Seagal’s domineering presence.

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)

Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey’s feud on this medical drama escalated into a physical fight. Washington used a homophobic slur about co-star T.R. Knight during an argument, sparking outrage.

The altercation, fueled by Dempsey’s tardiness, led to Washington’s exit from the show. The incident cast a shadow over the set for seasons.

Community (2009-2015)

Chevy Chase and Joel McHale’s on-set tension boiled over during a rehearsal for a boxing scene. Chase, known for his difficult behavior, goaded McHale to hit him harder, blurring the line between acting and fighting.

McHale accidentally dislocated Chase’s shoulder, escalating their already strained relationship. Chase’s racially charged comments to Donald Glover further soured the set’s vibe.

Red Planet (2000)

Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore, both with reputations for being difficult, clashed during this sci-fi film’s production. Their egos fueled a physical altercation, though details remain sparse.

The fight was intense enough to disrupt filming, with crew members stepping in. Their prior friendship didn’t stop the bad blood from spilling over on set.

The Infiltrator (2016)

John Leguizamo and Bryan Cranston got carried away during a fight scene, turning it into a real brawl. Leguizamo, embracing his method acting, said they started hitting each other for real.

He claimed he ‘took’ Cranston, citing his street experience. The incident was brief but intense, adding an unexpected edge to their collaboration.

Annapolis (2006)

James Franco and Tyrese Gibson’s boxing scenes in this drama got too real. Franco, staying in character as a method actor, hit Gibson hard even during practice, frustrating his co-star.

Gibson later said Franco never broke character, making their interactions tense. Their physical exchanges left Gibson feeling battered and resentful.

Creed (2015)

Michael B. Jordan and Tony Bellew, a professional boxer, reportedly had a real altercation during a fight scene. Rumors suggest Bellew landed a real punch, knocking Jordan out.

Bellew denied the incident, praising their work together, but witnesses claimed Stallone had to break it up. The truth remains murky, but the story lingers.

Which on-set feud surprised you the most, or is there another clash I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!