10 Times Film and TV Sets Turned into FIGHTS

UK TV 10 Times Film and TV Sets Turned into FIGHTS

Welcome to WatchMojoUK, and today we’re looking at fights that broke out on film and TV sets.

For this list, we’ll be looking at British sets, or incidents involving British performers, or both. Productions can be stressful, but for these entries, the people involved reached boiling point!

Anderson Talks Too Real

“Clive Anderson Talks Back” (1989-1996) & “Clive Anderson All Talk” (1996-99) 

We kick off with two kick-offs on two sets, with one host. Clive Anderson gained recognition as the original host of improv comedy show “Whose Line is it Anyway.” But using that same off-the-cuff wit to his talk shows, “Clive Anderson Talks Back” and successor “‘All Talk,” certainly raised eyebrows. Although Anderson’s disdain seemed to be ahead of the curve when interviewing a pre-convicted Jeffrey Archer, maybe not so much with The Bee Gees. Anderson’s claim that they were “hit writers” was followed with: which he later admitted as a bad line. It continued downhill, turning to jokes about their former name, “les Tosseurs,” and wordplay over forgetting a song. Already seething, the band walked.

Tom's Temper

“Doctor Who” (1963-) 

For many, Tom Baker's run is still regarded as the classic of ‘Classic “Who.”’ The longest on-screen iteration, Baker’s Fourth Doctor had seven series. However, over that, the actor was so protective of the character, wanting and gaining more control over the scripts and the overall direction of the Time Lord. Some believe that the departure of Sarah Jane actress Elisabeth Sladen was the turning point. Naturally, he gained a reputation as being somewhat prickly–which led to a lot of on-set spats with writers, producers and–often new–directors. Ultimately, it was new producer and showrunner John Nathan-Turner that won out, with creative differences leading to Baker’s departure after one series with him. To his credit, Baker has reiterated his regret over his confrontational behaviour on set.

Ridley Scott Alienates His Cast

“Alien” (1979)

1979’s Alien was a baptism by fire for Ridley Scott. It was Scott’s second film and so there was a lot at stake for the British director. Despite constant under scrutiny from producers, Scott was insistent on getting things his way. His style was immediately apparent–sets and suits were built to be legitimately claustrophobic–even leading to injuries–and he’d often keep actors in the dark over how some scenes would play out. One infamous example is the ‘chestburster’ scene in which animal blood was used. Vanessa Cartwright passed out, and Yaphet Kotto refused to speak to anyone for hours. It didn’t please many at the time, but all agree his abrasive direction made “Alien” a classic.

The McBustup

“Game of Thrones” (2011-2019)

Our next entry is the Battle of the burgers. Although Ian McShane’s role as Brother Ray was only for one episode, the veteran actor’s involvement changed a huge part of production–the catering. But it came about in a rather tense moment on-set, as McShane, disgruntled at the quality of his lunch, kicked his burger patty… right onto Rory McCann’s lap. McCann, who was returning as the Hound, Sandor Clegane. Let’s not forget that McCann is a towering 6 feet 6 inches–a scary Scottish bloke even without the make-up. They had an exchange of words, with McShane ultimately apologising for the mishap… and then had a better lunch in the following days.

Tony Bellew vs Who?

“Creed” (2015)

The details around this incident are a little sketchy, but chances are, it is a case of 'no smoke without fire'. Initially, it was rumoured that legit boxer-turned-actor-then WBC Cruiserweight Champion Tony Bellew, had struck his cornerman during filming of "Creed," forcing series creator Sylvester Stallone’s intervention. Bellew denied this, but reportedly did storm up to co-star Malik Bazille over his apparent yelling of unnecessary directions during a fight scene. They were swiftly separated... but the worst part was that Bazille hadn't actually said a word. It was likely director Ryan Googler giving, well, directions, during a long production day that led to mistaken identity. Bazille insists there's no hard feelings. Just as well, since Michael B. Jordan can attest to Bellew’s power…

Mad Max and Furious Furiosa

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

South African Actress Charlize Theron, and British Actor Tom Hardy killed it in “Mad Max: Fury Road.” But on set, they nearly killed each other–such was the tension between the two lead actors during filming. On one occasion, an argument broke out over Hardy deliberately turning up late–knowing Theron was early that day. The Furiosa actress, provoked, swore in ear-shot of Hardy, and he marched up to her. From then, the actress admitted feeling scared–with a producer flown out to keep things civil. They've both addressed this since–with Hardy acknowledging that he had a lot to learn, and Theron’s reflection that neither of them were handling the filming very well. However, the differences between the two lauded actors are apparent on screen. 

Carry On, as if Singer Really Matters

“Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) 

It was a multi-award winning film, but was also the beginning of the end for director Bryan Singer. Whilst he retains credit as director of "Bohemian Rhapsody," in actuality, he only filmed about 70% of it–amid frequent lateness and a myriad of complaints on-set. Then, he stopped turning up altogether, halting the British production over claims that his mother was unwell. Ultimately, Singer’s heated arguments with lead actor Rami Malek–who'd win an Academy Award for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury, and the director’s behaviour caused so much tension on-set, that veteran actor Tom Hollander walked. Despite being uncredited, Dexter Fletcher is believed to have saved the biopic; bringing Hollander back, and completing filming. Meanwhile, Singer was sacked, and his reputation is now catching him up.

Lawless Infighting

“Lawless” (2012) 

Before learning his lessons from “Mad Max,” Tom Hardy's confrontational nature appeared on another set. Although he now jokes that “Lawless” co-star Shia Labeouf "knocked him out," the truth has a bit of weight to it. During filming of 'Lawless', the two actors allegedly did get into a physical confrontation–during which they had to be pulled apart before punches were thrown. Hardy is an actor known for his commitment–putting on a huge amount of muscle for roles–as well as being an MMA enthusiast, with several wins in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions to his name. So he is being kind to say that the smaller Labeouf could fell him, as all involved believe that it would have been a nasty outcome had no-one intervened.

Bale Lights Up
“Terminator: Salvation” (2009)

Tom Hardy himself admitted that fellow Brit actor Christian Bale isn't a man to cross. Leaked audio from the set of 2008's “Terminator Salvation” demonstrated both Bale's sheer intensity, and what happens if you do earn his ire. As Director of Photography Shane Hurlbut learned, you shouldn't muck about with the lighting when Bale is performing–and especially not in his eyeline. An eight-minute, foul-mouthed, angry rant from Bale nearly escalated into a physical fight, before calmness was restored. At the time, Bale's reputation took a hit and he even publicly apologised to Hurlbut, although the two had already completely made up. Hindsight is 20-20 though, as reports have emerged that, actually, Hurlbut has a reputation for disrupting actors at work, vindicating Bale somewhat.

Cruising for a Verbal Bruising

“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023) 

To say that Tom Cruise is passionate about movies would be an understatement. Not even a global pandemic would stop his filming the seventh “Mission Impossible,” although he was adamant about it being shot safely. Since Covid restrictions were still observed in London, the actor and producer would ensure that all guidelines and rules were followed–even checking equipment was Covid-safe before rolling. In December 2020, audio emerged of his on-set fury. Noticing several crew members not adhering to the social distancing rules, Cruise went ballistic–furiously yelling at them in view of everyone. Although it's arguable that he went a little overboard (it is Tom Cruise, after all), he wasn’t wrong, as any infraction of the Covid rules would’ve definitely, in his words, shut them down.