7 movie duos whose on-screen chemistry turned out to be a lie (8 photos)

True acting isn't demonstrated by passionate glances, but by the ability to fake them when real passions are simmering off-screen.





As long as audiences believe in the on-screen romance, its characters can exchange icy glances and caustic barbs. History knows dozens of duets in which the brilliant chemistry of partners was born from personal antipathy, professional jealousy, and open conflict. How did the feud between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams help create "The Notebook," and why did "Sex and the City" never manage to reconcile its stars? We remember the most famous film couples who couldn't stand each other.

1. Bill Murray and Lucy Liu ("Charlie's Angels," 2000)



There was tension on set, which Lucy later described in an interview. After she rehearsed a scene with her colleagues in Murray's absence, he returned and unleashed a barrage of insults on her.

"He started throwing barbs, and it didn't stop," the actress recalled. "I kept looking over my shoulder: maybe he wasn't talking to me? Until I asked him directly. And yes, it was directed at me."

Despite the fact that the actress wasn't yet a star on the level of her co-stars Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, Lucy fought back.

2. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling ("The Notebook," 2004)





The chemistry that conquered the world was born of pure confrontation. The film's director, Nick Cassavetes, revealed that Gosling angrily asked her to replace his co-star: "I don't feel anything with her!" The irony is that it was this genuine dislike and tension that later blossomed into passion both onscreen and in real life (they dated from 2005 to 2007).

3. Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte ("I Love Trouble," 1994)



Their on-set feud became the talk of the town and may have contributed to the film's critical failure. Roberts admitted that they "were on each other's nerves from the first time they met." Nolte, known for his abrasive nature, took some of the blame years later:

It was absurd. Partly my own fault. Julia got married right at the start of filming, and I chose the completely wrong approach.

4. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze ("Dirty Dancing," 1987)



Their on-screen chemistry became iconic, but sparks flew off-screen, too. Even on the set of "Red Dawn," Swayze teased Grey about her childish antics. He later apologized tearfully. But on the set of "Dirty Dancing," tensions flared up again: Patrick was angry at what he considered his co-star's unprofessionalism.

"My irritation kept her from crying, from fear, from her ego... and those moments worked because they were real," the actor admitted.

5. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall ("Sex and the City," 1998–2004)



Their story exemplifies Hollywood's most epic feud. After the death of Cattrall's brother, Sarah Jessica Parker offered her condolences. Kim's response was merciless:

I don't need your love and support... Your constant attempts to contact me are a painful reminder of how cruel you were then and remain now. You're not my family. You're not my friend. Stop exploiting our tragedy to restore your "good girl" image.

6. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Vin Diesel (Fast & Furious, 2011)



This feud has become part of franchise lore. It all started when Diesel spoke of the "tough love" he showed Johnson to get the best performance. "The Rock" responded on social media, calling his co-star a "coward" and a "sweet ass." Later, however, the men appear to have called a truce.

7. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files," 1993-2018)



The legendary Mulder and Scully didn't always get along. Anderson admitted:

Hate is too strong a word. But there were long periods when we didn't speak. It was intense, and we both got on each other's nerves at various points.

Fortunately, their relationship is much warmer now. Last February, the actors reunited at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards. This was their first joint appearance seven years after the cult series ended.