Intense On-Set Moments Where Actors Nearly Fought (Like Josh Brolin and Denzel)

Filmmaking is a high-pressure environment where creative differences and long hours often lead to explosive confrontations. While most actors maintain professionalism, some personalities clash so violently that physical altercations become a real possibility. History is filled with stories of co-stars who despised each other or directors who pushed their cast to the breaking point. These are the moments when Hollywood glamour faded and real aggression took over the set.

‘American Gangster’ (2007)

Josh Brolin recently revealed a tense moment with Denzel Washington during the production. The two actors were filming a scene where their characters confront each other. Brolin felt Washington was changing the lines and creating confusion during the take. The situation escalated until both men were very close to physically fighting. They eventually cooled down and made amends later that same day.

‘Three Kings’ (1999)

George Clooney witnessed director David O. Russell yelling at an extra. The actor stepped in to defend the crew member from the verbal abuse. This confrontation turned physical when the director headbutted Clooney during the argument. They grabbed each other before being separated by the production team. The tension on the set remained high for the remainder of the shoot.

‘Any Given Sunday’ (1999)

Jamie Foxx and LL Cool J played rival football players in this sports drama. The script called for a physical altercation between their characters. The acting turned real when punches landed harder than intended. Director Oliver Stone kept the cameras rolling while the two men actually fought on the field. They had to be pulled apart by the crew to stop the brawl.

‘The Lords of Flatbush’ (1974)

Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere had immediate friction during rehearsals. The tension peaked during a lunch break inside a car. Stallone claimed Gere dropped greasy chicken on his pants intentionally. Stallone elbowed Gere in the head and pushed him out of the vehicle. Gere was subsequently replaced in the film by actor Perry King.

‘Lawless’ (2012)

Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy developed an intense dynamic while filming this bootlegging drama. Rumors circulated that the two actors got into a physical fight off-camera. Hardy later claimed that LaBeouf knocked him out during their altercation. Both actors have since described the incident as a brotherly roughhousing that went too far. The aggression translated into their on-screen chemistry as brothers.

‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2000)

Bill Murray reportedly insulted Lucy Liu’s acting abilities during a scene rehearsal. The comments caused Liu to physically defend herself against the veteran actor. Production assistants had to intervene to separate the two stars. The hostility was so severe that Murray did not return for the sequel. Liu has since spoken about standing up for herself in that moment.

‘Man on the Moon’ (1999)

Jim Carrey stayed in character as Andy Kaufman throughout the entire production. His method acting antagonized professional wrestler Jerry Lawler during their scenes. Lawler reacted to the provocation by physically attacking Carrey for real. The actor was sent to the hospital after the wrestler piledrived him. This chaotic energy was exactly what the director wanted for the biopic.

‘Annapolis’ (2006)

James Franco and Tyrese Gibson boxed each other for real during the filming of this movie. Gibson claimed that Franco was actually hitting him during rehearsal sparring sessions. The singer felt that Franco was being disrespectful and overly aggressive. Their relationship deteriorated to the point where they refused to speak off-camera. Gibson has stated he would never work with Franco again.

‘Red Planet’ (2000)

Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore reportedly despised each other during this sci-fi production. The production team had to transport them to the set in separate vehicles. Their feud escalated when Sizemore allegedly threw a heavy weight at Kilmer. Kilmer refused to come out of his trailer if Sizemore was present on set. The studio eventually used body doubles to film over-the-shoulder shots.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Charlize Theron felt unsafe due to Tom Hardy’s behavior during the grueling desert shoot. The actress requested protection after an explosive verbal confrontation with her co-star. Hardy was reportedly chronically late which angered the punctual Theron. Their lack of trust made the filming process incredibly difficult for the entire crew. They later apologized to each other after seeing the final masterpiece.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams initially hated each other while filming this romance. Gosling asked the director to replace McAdams with another actress for off-camera lines. The two engaged in screaming matches that halted production temporarily. The director forced them into an impromptu therapy session to resolve their issues. Ironically they began dating shortly after the movie wrapped.

‘Blade: Trinity’ (2004)

Wesley Snipes clashed heavily with director David Goyer throughout the production. Snipes reportedly attempted to strangle the director during a heated argument. The star refused to open his eyes for scenes and communicated only via post-it notes. Goyer had to hire bikers for security because he feared for his safety. The film suffered significantly from the toxic environment on set.

‘The Abyss’ (1989)

Ed Harris reportedly punched director James Cameron due to the dangerous filming conditions. The actor was nearly drowned during a take when he ran out of air. Cameron continued filming while Harris struggled to breathe underwater. The physical and mental strain caused Harris to break down crying while driving home. He refused to speak about the film for many years after its release.

‘Chinatown’ (1974)

Faye Dunaway and director Roman Polanski fought constantly over her character’s appearance. The tension peaked when Polanski plucked a stray hair from her head without asking. Dunaway reportedly threw a cup of urine in the director’s face during another dispute. The hostile atmosphere surprisingly contributed to the film’s noir tension. Both have since acknowledged the difficulty of that shoot.

‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979)

Dustin Hoffman slapped Meryl Streep across the face for real during a scene. This physical action was improvised by Hoffman without Streep’s consent. He also taunted her about her recently deceased boyfriend to provoke emotional tears. Streep was furious about his methods and the lack of professional boundaries. She later described his behavior as abusive and overstepping.

‘Fury’ (2014)

Scott Eastwood and Shia LaBeouf nearly fought on the tank set. LaBeouf was offended when Eastwood spit tobacco on the vehicle during a scene. Brad Pitt had to intervene to stop the two younger actors from trading punches. It turned out the spitting was actually in the script. The misunderstanding showed the high intensity the actors maintained during the shoot.

‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ (1962)

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford had a legendary rivalry that spilled onto the screen. Davis actually kicked Crawford in the head during a scene requiring physical abuse. Crawford retaliated by weighing down her pockets for a scene where Davis had to drag her. The production was filled with petty sabotage and vicious press leaks. Their feud is considered one of the most famous in Hollywood history.

‘I Love Trouble’ (1994)

Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte developed a strong dislike for one another immediately. Roberts described Nolte as completely disgusting while he called her not a nice person. They refused to film scenes together and forced the use of stand-ins. The lack of chemistry was evident in the final romantic comedy. The press tour was awkward as they openly insulted each other.

‘Batman Forever’ (1995)

Tommy Lee Jones told Jim Carrey that he hated him to his face. Jones was dining when Carrey approached him to say hello. The veteran actor stated he could not sanction Carrey’s buffoonery. Jones was reportedly frustrated by Carrey’s constant improvisation and high energy. The tension made their scenes together incredibly uncomfortable for the crew.

‘The Fate of the Furious’ (2017)

Dwayne Johnson posted a message on social media calling unnamed male co-stars candy asses. This was directed at Vin Diesel due to his behavior on set. The two alpha stars refused to film scenes together for the movie. They were kept apart to prevent a physical confrontation between them. The feud threatened the future of the profitable franchise.

‘Cop Out’ (2010)

Director Kevin Smith claimed Bruce Willis was undirectable and difficult. Willis reportedly refused to follow instructions and mocked the director. Smith punched a wall in his trailer out of frustration with the action star. The wrap party toast included Smith thanking everyone except Willis. They have not worked together since this disastrous production.

‘Magic Mike’ (2012)

Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer had significant friction during the filming. Tatum felt Pettyfer was arrogant and disrespectful to the crew. Pettyfer rented an apartment from a friend of Tatum and left without paying rent. This financial dispute caused a near-fight when Tatum confronted him on set. Pettyfer was not asked to return for the sequel.

‘Terminator Salvation’ (2009)

Christian Bale exploded in rage at cinematographer Shane Hurlbut. Hurlbut had walked into Bale’s eyeline during an intense emotional scene. Audio of Bale screaming and threatening to smash the lighting equipment leaked online. The actor threatened to quit the production if Hurlbut was not fired. Bale later apologized publicly for his excessive reaction.

‘Fitzcarraldo’ (1982)

Klaus Kinski screamed constantly at director Werner Herzog and the native extras. The indigenous chief offered to kill Kinski for the director to end the madness. Herzog threatened to shoot Kinski and then himself if the actor left the set. The production is famous for being more dangerous than the movie itself. It stands as a testament to chaotic filmmaking.

‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)

Bill Murray and director Harold Ramis ended their friendship during this shoot. Murray was going through a divorce and was reportedly erratic on set. The two argued constantly about the tone and direction of the film. Ramis grabbed Murray by the collar during one particularly heated argument. They did not speak to each other for twenty years afterward.

‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ (1996)

Val Kilmer bullied the original director until he was fired. The replacement director John Frankenheimer also clashed with the star. Kilmer reportedly burned a cameraman with a cigarette during a prank. The chaotic set saw actors threatening to leave daily. It is often cited as one of the most disastrous productions ever.

‘Blue Collar’ (1978)

Richard Pryor and director Paul Schrader had a volatile relationship. The tension peaked when Pryor allegedly pulled a gun on the director. Schrader suffered a mental breakdown due to the stress of managing the actors. Co-star Yaphet Kotto also had physical altercations with the other men. The film captured the genuine anger between the performers.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–)

Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey had a physical altercation on set. Washington grabbed Dempsey by the throat during an argument about lateness. The fight led to Washington using a homophobic slur referencing another cast member. This incident resulted in Washington being fired from the hit show. The backstage drama became as famous as the on-screen storylines.

‘Dynasty’ (1981–1989)

Joan Collins and Linda Evans were required to fight in a lily pond. Collins enjoyed the scene too much and refused to stop choking Evans. The director had to cut the scene to ensure Evans was safe. The rivalry between their characters often mirrored their off-screen coldness. This scene became the most iconic moment of the series.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

Teri Hatcher was reportedly ostracized by the other main cast members. A photoshoot for Vanity Fair nearly turned violent over wardrobe choices. Eva Longoria and Marcia Cross threatened to walk out if Hatcher was center stage. The tension was palpable during all group promotional events. Hatcher was left off the farewell gift card signed by the others.

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion stopped speaking to each other entirely. The producers forced them to attend couples therapy to keep the show running. Katic was reportedly found crying in her dressing room frequently. The toxic environment led to Katic not being asked back for a potential ninth season. The show was cancelled abruptly shortly after that announcement.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker had a long-running feud. Cattrall felt ostracized by the clique formed by the other three actresses. Arguments over pay disparity fueled the resentment between the stars. The tension prevented a third movie from being made. Cattrall publicly rejected Parker’s condolences after a family tragedy.

‘The Score’ (2001)

Marlon Brando refused to be directed by Frank Oz. Brando called the director exclusively by the name of Miss Piggy. The legendary actor refused to wear pants to force waist-up shots. Robert De Niro had to direct Brando’s scenes because Oz was banned from the set. The production was a nightmare of ego and stubbornness.

‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (2001)

Gene Hackman was reportedly very aggressive towards director Wes Anderson. Hackman told the director to pull up his pants and act like a man. Bill Murray had to come to the set on his days off to protect Anderson. The veteran actor scared the cast and crew with his temper. Anderson has admitted he was terrified of Hackman during the shoot.

‘Maidstone’ (1970)

Rip Torn attacked director and star Norman Mailer with a hammer. The camera was rolling as Torn struck Mailer in the head. Mailer fought back and bit Torn’s ear until it bled. The fight was real and terrifying for the onlookers including Mailer’s family. It remains one of the most shocking moments of cinema verité.

‘Terms of Endearment’ (1983)

Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine had a volatile relationship on set. Winger reportedly lifted her skirt and broke wind at MacLaine. Rumors suggested they got into a shoving match during production. MacLaine mentioned in her memoir that it was a very difficult shoot. They both received Oscar nominations despite the hostility.

‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

Patrick Swayze became incredibly frustrated with Jennifer Grey. He felt she was not taking the dancing scenes seriously enough. Her laughter ruined multiple takes and caused Swayze to lose his temper. The footage of his annoyance was actually used in the final film. They barely tolerated each other by the end of the shoot.

‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano feuded throughout the third season. The studio eventually brought in a mediator to handle the on-set conflicts. Milano stated that there were days she refused to go to the set. Doherty was eventually fired and her character was killed off. The sisters on screen were enemies in real life.

‘City of Lies’ (2018)

Johnny Depp allegedly punched a location manager during a dispute. The crew member told Depp that filming had to wrap for the day. Depp reportedly shouted and struck the man in the ribs. The location manager later sued the actor over the incident. The film’s release was delayed significantly due to the legal trouble.

Which of these intense on-set rivalries surprised you the most, and are there any others you know about that should have made the list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.