The Biggest Feuds Between Movie Directors and Stars

Creating movie magic on the big screen often requires a lot of blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes to tie all the threads together.

While the ideal end result of a movie is entertainment brought to life seamlessly (making the people involved also make a lot of money in the process), things can sometimes get a little messy between the people doing it along the way.

From big blowups to lawsuits to a war of words, dive into some of the most famous feuds between movie directors and stars — and discover how their relationships became less than harmonious.

Related to: A look back at “Don’t Worry Darling” one year after its premiere

Long before Don’t Worry Darling hits theaters in September 2022, the psychological thriller has been making headlines for its off-screen drama. Thank you! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to Newsletters Please enter a valid email address. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from our Weekly Deal of the Day […]

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively

Rumors have been spreading about this director/actor Justin Baldoni And the actress Blake Lively We didn’t agree During the promotional tour for And it ends with uswhich was released in August 2024.

The pair’s feud was underscored when Lively, 37, sued Baldoni, 40, in December 2024 for sexual harassment and accused the director of trying to smear her reputation through a smear campaign — an allegation Baldoni’s lawyers have vehemently denied.

Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh

In the case of a 2022 release, Don’t worry my dear, Many spectators became more interested in the drama happening behind the scenes than in the film itself. The film is directed by Olivia Wilde And marked with a star Florence Pugh – Speculation was rife there Tension between spouses.

In the period before Don’t worry, my dearPugh’s release resulted in limited promotion for the film, avoiding photo ops alongside Wilde and skipping press commitments or arriving late. Although neither of them has confirmed the truth behind their relationship, there have been rumors that Pugh may not have been happy with Wilde’s relationship. Harry Styles.

Megan Fox and Michael Bay

During it adapter days, Megan Fox Rock the boat With the director Michael Bay When she publicly compared him to “Hitler” – which eventually led to her being fired from the franchise and replaced by… Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

“He’s like Napoleon and he wants to create this crazy, notorious reputation as a madman. He wants to be like Hitler on sets, and he is,” said Fox, 38. Wonderland Magazine in 2009. “So, he’s a nightmare to work for, but when you get him off the set, and he’s not in director mode, I really kind of enjoy his character because he’s so awkward, so awkward.”

While he ended up cutting her from his films, Bay said GQ Magazine In 2011 he was not particularly offended.

“I’m not hurt, because I know that’s just Meghan. Meghan likes to get a response,” said Pai, 59. “She kind of does it the wrong way. I’m sorry, Megan. I’m sorry I made you work 12 hours. I’m sorry I made you show up on time. Movies aren’t always warm and fuzzy.

Jake Gyllenhaal and David Fincher

Jake Gyllenhaal and David Fincher They didn’t mince words when it came to talking about their experiences working with each other on the 2007 film Zodiac.

“Fincher paints with people,” Gyllenhaal, 44, said of the director in 2007, complaining: “It’s hard to be in color.”

Later, Fincher had his own opinion about working with Gyllenhaal — and he didn’t hold back.

Fincher, 62, said: “Jake was in the unenviable position of being so young and having so many people vying for his attention, while working for someone who doesn’t let you take a day off.” New York Times In 2020. “I think Jake’s philosophy was derived from — look, he made a bunch of movies, even as a kid, but I don’t think he was ever asked to focus on the minute details, and I think he was.” “Very distracted.”

Katherine Heigl and Judd Apatow

Another infamous case of a movie star coming face to face with his director was Matthew Katherine Heigl She came out swinging against the 2007 film she was starring in I knocked.

Her manager Judd Apatow I left less than impressed When I criticized I knocked During an interview with Vanity gallery In 2008.

Related to: Breaking down Blake Lively’s accusations against Justin Baldoni

Months after a reported feud between costars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, a lawsuit has been filed against him for sexual harassment. In the lawsuit, which was filed on Friday, December 20, and obtained by Us Weekly after it was published by TMZ and The New York Times, Lively accused Baldoni of launching a campaign […]

“It portrays women as shrews, humorless and uptight,” Heigl, 46, said. “It portrays men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys. I exaggerated the characters, and I had a hard time with it some days. I play such a bitch. Why is she such a killjoy? Why is that how you portray women? It’s been an amazing experience in eight Ninety percent of the time, however, it was difficult for me to like the movie.

For his part, Apatow told the radio host Howard Stern In 2009, he expected an apology from Heigl after the insulting remarks, but never received one.

“[You’d think] “At some point, I’ll get a call saying, ‘Sorry, I was tired…’ and then the call never comes,” Apatow, 57, said.