8 Times Actors Who Hated Each Other Had To Pretend They Were Madly In Love

Movie magic is all about making fake stuff believable. Creating a flawless monster scene typically requires a day or two of filming, but it becomes even more challenging during intense kissing scenes. First of all, the realization that about 30 people are watching you “perform” live can be quite awkward. And secondly, more importantly, the person in front of you may be someone you absolutely despise.

Sometimes actors straight-up can’t stand each other but still have to turn up the heat for the camera. Here are eight times sparks were supposed to fly, but behind the scenes, it was more like fireworks aimed at each other’s faces.

1. Ryan Gosling Wanted Rachel McAdams Fired From The Notebook

Apparently, back then, Ryan Gosling didn’t think Rachel McAdams was “the one.” He actually asked the director if she could be swapped out during a scene. Awkward. Of course, they ended up falling in love off-screen, which just proves that romance really does begin with a heated workplace complaint.

2. Sharon Stone vs. Billy Baldwin in Sliver

Sharon Stone was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time, while Billy Baldwin was still carving out his own path among the Baldwin brothers. After filming their steamy love scenes, rumors spread that Baldwin had made some unkind remarks about Stone—commenting on her lips and even joking about her breath. Whether true or not, it wasn’t exactly the most professional thing to say on set.

The situation became even stranger when a producer reportedly suggested that Stone should “just sleep with him” to create real chemistry on screen. It was one of those eyebrow-raising Hollywood moments that makes you wonder what people were thinking. Stone, ever confident and quick-witted, declined with grace and made it clear that acting—not real-life romance—was more than enough to bring the spark to the screen.

3. Harrison Ford and Sean Young in Blade Runner

The romance in Blade Runner looks smoldering. In reality? Harrison Ford thought Sean Young was too young, Sean thought Harrison was a jerk, additionally, director Ridley Scott may have been somewhat bitter after Young rejected him. Sean claims their famous love scene felt less romantic and more like Scott sending her a “screw you” message. Suddenly, the movie feels a lot darker than just futuristic neon rain.

4. Kim Basinger vs. Mickey Rourke in 9 ½ Weeks

Kim Basinger thought this movie was going to be a chill, sexy drama with Mickey Rourke. But instead, director Adrian Lyne made everyone on the set miserable to maintain the “tension” between the stars. Kim explained that the love scenes were not only emotionally draining but also physically traumatic, since some were filmed right up against a rusty wall.