Cinematic Rivalries: The Biggest Feuds in Hollywood

Hollywood has always been a place of intense competition, oversized egos, and clashing personalities. While movie stars often appear glamorous and polished on the red carpet, behind the scenes, rivalries and feuds have shaped the industry in dramatic ways. From legendary on-set tensions to bitter public disputes, some of the biggest names in the film industry have engaged in conflicts that have captivated fans for decades.

These rivalries can stem from professional jealousy, clashing creative visions, or even personal grievances. Some have been resolved over time, while others continue to fester. In this article, we explore some of the most infamous cinematic rivalries in Hollywood history.

1. Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Hollywood Feud

One of the most famous rivalries in Hollywood history is the bitter feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. These two Golden Age icons were known for their extraordinary talent and strong personalities, but their dislike for each other became legendary.

The Origin of the Feud

The rivalry began in the 1930s when Crawford, a glamorous star known for her striking beauty, overshadowed Davis, who was considered a more serious actress. Tensions escalated when Bappam Movies Crawford married actor Franchot Tone, whom Davis had feelings for. Davis later remarked, “He was madly in love with her. I was madly in love with him. Damn it.”

On-Set Battles in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

Their hatred reached new heights in 1962 when they starred together in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? On set:

• Davis allegedly kicked Crawford in the head during a scene.
• Crawford retaliated by putting weights in her dress to make Davis struggle in physical scenes.
• Crawford actively campaigned against Davis during awards season, leading to a bitter Oscars showdown.

Even after Crawford’s death, Davis had no kind words to say. When asked about Crawford’s passing, Davis famously responded, “You should never say bad things about the dead, only good. Joan Crawford is dead. Good.”

This legendary feud was later dramatized in the FX series Feud: Bette and Joan (2017).

2. Marlon Brando vs. Frank Sinatra: Clash of the Titans

Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra were two of the most famous entertainers of their time, but they despised each other. Their feud began on the set of Guys and Dolls (1955), where their differing acting styles caused tension.

Brando the Method Actor vs. Sinatra the Performer

Brando was a method actor, known for his deep emotional preparation, while Sinatra was a natural performer who found Brando’s techniques pretentious. Sinatra referred to method acting as “crap”, while Brando mocked Sinatra for not taking acting seriously.

On-Set Hostility

During filming:

• Brando intentionally flubbed lines, forcing Sinatra to do multiple takes (which Sinatra hated).
• Sinatra retaliated by mocking Brando’s acting choices in front of the cast and crew.
• In a famous scene where Sinatra had to eat cheesecake, Brando kept ruining takes on purpose, making Sinatra eat over two dozen slices. Furious, Sinatra called Brando “Mumbles” and stormed off set.

Their feud lasted for decades, with Sinatra continuing to insult Brando’s acting style long after Guys and Dolls wrapped.

3. Steven Spielberg vs. George Lucas: A Rivalry Between Friends

While not as openly hostile as others on this list, the friendly rivalry between Steven Spielberg and George Lucas has shaped modern blockbuster cinema.

Competing for the Box Office Crown

Spielberg and Lucas were both rising directors in the 1970s. Lucas’s Star Wars (1977) and Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) broke box office records, setting the stage for their competition. They went head-to-head with films like:

• Indiana Jones (Spielberg, produced by Lucas)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Spielberg) vs. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Lucas)

Their rivalry was playful, but their competition pushed both directors to create some of the most iconic films in history.

4. Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sylvester Stallone: Battle of the Action Stars

During the 1980s and 1990s, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone were the kings of action movies. Their feud stemmed from competing for dominance in the action genre.

Box Office Competition

Both actors tried to outdo each other with bigger explosions, bigger muscles, and bigger box office numbers. Movies like The Terminator (Schwarzenegger) and Rambo (Stallone) defined the era, leading to:

• Public insults about each other’s acting abilities.
• A race to secure the best scripts and roles.
• A battle over who could have the most on-screen kills and most memorable catchphrases.

The Fake Script Prank

Schwarzenegger once tricked Stallone into starring in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992), a movie that bombed. Arnold later admitted: “I read the script. It was so bad. But then I told my agent to spread a rumor that I wanted it, and Stallone took it.”

Eventually, the two actors became friends, even co-starring in The Expendables franchise.

5. Vin Diesel vs. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Fast & Furious Feud

The Fast & Furious franchise is known for its high-octane action, but behind the scenes, tensions between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson have been anything but friendly.

The Feud Begins

Johnson, who joined the franchise in Fast Five (2011), reportedly clashed with Diesel over work ethic and leadership. In 2016, Johnson posted a cryptic Instagram rant about certain male co-stars being “candy asses” and not behaving professionally. It was widely believed he was referring to Diesel.

The Public Fallout

• The two actors refused to film scenes together in later Fast & Furious movies.
• Johnson skipped F9 (2021) and focused on his spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw.
• Diesel publicly asked Johnson to return, but Johnson declined, calling Diesel’s plea “manipulative”.

The feud remains unresolved, and while fans hope for reconciliation, it seems unlikely.

Conclusion: Hollywood’s Love for Drama

Hollywood rivalries have existed since the dawn of cinema, fueling media headlines and shaping film history. Whether based on professional competition, personal grudges, or clashing personalities, these feuds remind us that even the biggest stars are human.

Some rivalries, like Schwarzenegger vs. Stallone, have turned into friendships, while others, like Davis vs. Crawford, remained bitter until the end. As long as there are big egos, high stakes, and cameras rolling, cinematic rivalries will continue to be a fascinating part of Hollywood’s legacy.

Who knows what new Hollywood feuds the future will bring? ????????