While Hollywood often dazzles with glitz and glamour, behind the scenes can be a whole different story. Some of the biggest on-set feuds in entertainment history didn’t just disrupt productions, but they shocked fans and sometimes changed careers. From clashing egos to creative differences that spiraled into full-blown fights, these tense encounters prove that working in the entertainment industry isn’t always fun. Here are 10 of the biggest on-set feuds you probably didn’t know about.
10. Lea Michele vs. Castmates
Multiple Glee actors, including Samantha Ware and Heather Morris, later spoke out about Michele’s alleged bullying behavior on set. While it didn’t come to light until after the series ended, the news reshaped public opinion and highlighted one of the biggest on-set feuds hiding in plain sight during the show’s run.
Related: Hollywood Feuds That Still Aren’t Resolved
9. Shelley Duvall vs. Stanley Kubrick
Though not a traditional feud, Kubrick’s obsessive direction during The Shining pushed Duvall to her mental and physical limits, leading to an emotionally grueling experience. Critics later reexamined the power dynamics on set, and this case is now often cited in discussions of on-set control.
Check out: Forgotten Hollywood Stars Who Deserve a Comeback
8. Isaiah Washington vs. T.R. Knight
In Grey’s Anatomy, Washington’s use of a homophobic slur toward Knight caused a firestorm that led to his eventual dismissal from the show. The incident caused internal cast chaos and widespread media coverage, solidifying it as one of the most damaging and biggest on-set feuds in recent TV history.
Also read: Child Stars Who Left Hollywood
7. Julia Roberts vs. Nick Nolte
These I Love Trouble co-stars reportedly clashed so much that body doubles were used for some shared scenes. Roberts called Nolte “disgusting,” and Nolte fired back with his own insults. Their lack of chemistry translated on-screen and off, tanking this film’s recognition.
Related: Iconic Movie Sets That Defined Hollywood History
6. Dustin Hoffman vs. Meryl Streep
Though their on-screen chemistry in Kramer v. Kramer won acclaim, Hoffman reportedly crossed boundaries with Streep during filming. From unscripted slaps to emotionally manipulative behavior, this tension added real pain to a fictional breakup. It’s a lesser-known but intense example of the biggest on-set feuds rooted in conflicting methods.
5. Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford
This classic Hollywood rivalry was reignited when the two divas were cast opposite each other in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? The feud was marked by behind-the-scenes sabotage, including Davis allegedly adding weights to her costume to injure Crawford during a scene.
Check out: Legendary Artists Who Never Won a Grammy But Should Have
4. William Shatner vs. George Takei
Though they worked together for years, Shatner and Takei have openly criticized each other in interviews, with Takei accusing Shatner of ego-driven behavior on the Star Trek set. Their feud spans decades and conventions, making it one of the longest-running and biggest on-set feuds in sci-fi history.
Also read: Best Music Biopic Movies
3. Vin Diesel vs. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
This power struggle between them disrupted the Fast & Furious set, with Johnson referring to unnamed “candy asses” on Instagram, assumed to be about Diesel. Their conflicting work ethics and personalities led to them filming scenes separately in The Fate of the Furious.
Related: Legendary Artists Who Never Won a Grammy But Should Have
2. Bill Murray vs. Lucy Liu
During filming for Charlie’s Angels, Murray reportedly criticized Liu’s acting abilities, leading to a heated confrontation on set. While both moved on professionally, the clash was so intense that Murray was replaced by Bernie Mac in the sequel. The incident remains one of the biggest on-set feuds involving major stars in a blockbuster film.
Also read: Best Music Documentaries for True Fans
1. Sarah Jessica Parker vs. Kim Cattrall
This feud became public long after the series ended, but tensions were reportedly brewing throughout Sex and the City’s six-season run. Cattrall declined to return for a third movie, citing strained relationships and feeling like an outsider among the core cast.
More About:Celebrity