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.
5. Penn Badgley and Blake Lively in Gossip Girl
Penn Badgley provided the strangest response when asked about his “best and worst on-screen kiss.” Both titles go to Blake Lively. Why? Because there were times when they were dating and other times when they were not. Kissing your ex for work is basically the emotional equivalent of sitting through a three-hour brunch with them and their new partner. Credit where it’s due: Penn admits they handled it like pros. Gossip Girl might’ve been messy, but at least these two were classy about it.
6. Thandie Newton and Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible 2
Thandie Newton thought working with Tom Cruise would be fun. Then came the love scenes. According to her, Tom’s “modesty cup” was so huge it was more distracting than the alternative. She said the whole experience was terrifying, mostly because Tom brings the same intense energy to fake bedroom scenes that he brings to dangling off skyscrapers and airplanes. Honestly, that explains a lot about this guy’s whole vibe.
7. Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in The Tourist
On paper, Depp plus Jolie should’ve been instant box office gold, but Jolie wasn’t loving Depp’s “unprepared” approach (and, allegedly, his questionable hygiene). Depp didn’t exactly rush to the gym for the role either, which irritated Jolie further. So yes, their glamorous Italian love scenes may have looked dreamy on screen, but behind the camera, Angie was probably counting down the minutes until she could wrap for the day.
8. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing
“Baby” and “Johnny” gave us one of the greatest screen romances ever, but off-screen, it was a huge mess. When Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey arrived on the set of Dirty Dancing, they already had some history—and not the good kind. This time around, Swayze reportedly grew frustrated with Grey’s inexperience as a dancer and her habit of breaking into giggles during takes, which often ruined the shot. In his autobiography, he admitted that his patience wore thin more than once. Still, years later, both stars looked back with admiration for one another, showing that even the rockiest working relationships can soften with time.
