Actors who refused to work together (and why)

Hollywood is full of legendary team-ups, but not every duo gets a happy ending. From explosive on-set feuds to behind-the-scenes betrayals, some actors have drawn a firm line: they will never share the screen again.

1. Dwayne Johnson & Vin Diesel 

For years, Fast & Furious fans noticed the tension between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel. Their off-screen drama boiled over when Johnson called some of his male co-stars “candy asses” on Instagram. Reports suggested that Diesel’s alleged “work ethic” clashed with Johnson’s disciplined schedule. Johnson later confirmed they had a private meeting, but he ultimately refused to return for Fast X.

Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter

2. Julia Roberts & Nick Nolte

While filming I Love Trouble (1994), Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte were supposed to play romantic leads, but they despised each other off-screen. Reports claim Nolte’s behavior was rude, while Roberts allegedly mocked him in interviews, calling him “disgusting.” They filmed many of their scenes separately, and after the movie flopped, neither showed interest in working together again.

3. Will Smith & Janet Hubert 

For decades, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans wondered why Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, was replaced. Hubert accused Will Smith of spreading false stories about her being difficult, while Smith claimed she had a bad attitude. The feud lasted nearly 30 years until they finally reconciled in 2020. However, Hubert still refuses to work with him on any new projects.

4. Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams 

Despite their sizzling chemistry in The Notebook (2004), Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams initially couldn’t stand each other. Director Nick Cassavetes revealed that Gosling once asked him to replace McAdams. Ironically, they went on to date in real life but eventually broke up—and they’ve never worked together since.

5. George Clooney & Russell Crowe 

Russell Crowe called out George Clooney in an interview, accusing him of being “a sellout” for doing commercial endorsements. Clooney fired back, mocking Crowe’s temper and calling him “just another Frank Sinatra wannabe.” Though Crowe later apologized, Clooney made it clear he wasn’t interested in working with him.

6. Wesley Snipes & The ‘Blade: Trinity’ Cast

During Blade: Trinity (2004), Wesley Snipes allegedly stayed in character as Blade even off-camera. Co-stars and crew claimed he refused to speak to them, communicating only through Post-it notes signed “Blade.” After a fallout with director David S. Goyer and Ryan Reynolds, Snipes reportedly tried to strangle Goyer. Safe to say, no one involved wanted to work with him again.

Hollywood feuds are nothing new, but some rivalries run so deep they reshape entire careers. While some actors eventually reconcile, others remain firm in their refusal to work together. As new clashes emerge, we can only wonder which Hollywood duos will be added to this infamous list next.