Hollywood and history go hand in hand. Sure, the stars shine bright battling the pressures of fame to remain relevant under the spotlight. However, what happens beneath the curtains of all that glitter often takes years to surface like the unearthed fossils in an archeological dig. Case in point: Josh Brolin spilled some beans about almost trading punches with Denzel Washington on the sets of the American Gangster
in the days of yore.
For over 17 years, Brolin kept the behind-the-scenes drama with Washington on American Gangster
under wraps, until recently.
Why did Josh Brolin and Denzel Washington almost wage war during the American Gangster?
Josh Brolin recently appeared on the In Depth With Graham
Bensinger podcast to promote
his new memoir, From Under the Truck. Recalling a rather intense moment on the set of Ridley Scott’s 2007 film, American Gangster
, Brolin revealed how he nearly locked horns with Denzel Washington. “Yeah, we almost got into a fight,”
Brolin confessed, reflecting on one of the days when Washington arrived a little late to the set.
Josh Brolin recalls nearly fighting Denzel Washington on the set of ‘American Gangster’. pic.twitter.com/1BtLLtYFIf
— Graham Bensinger (@GrahamBensinger) November 22, 2024
As Washington walked Brolin through his lines, the actor refreshed his memory but stumbled mid-scene on a particular line because of a change the former made in the script’s structure. Brolin reportedly asked Washington what his line was, putting his hand on the actor’s shoulder, which got the latter on his last nerve.
Hitting Brolin’s hands off, Washington allegedly warned, “don’t ever f–king put your hand on me.”
While Brolin thought he was about to “scrap
” with him, even merely recounting the experience felt a little “crazy
.”
Read More: Josh Brolin Ignores the Iconic Thanos for This One Character, Says He Wants to Return for It
Brolin explained that the tip-off likely stemmed from Washington still being in the character, while he was not fully in that zone.
Josh Brolin elaborates on the skirmish with Denzel Washington on American Gangster
Josh Brolin’s recent conversation on the In Depth With Graham Bensinger
podcast revealed one of the unknown specifics of his on-screen appearance with Denzel Washington on American Gangster
. Looking back at it now, Brolin recalled there was a lack of alignment in their headspaces because, in his mind, they were no longer actors. However, in Washington’s mind, “he was doing his job.”
Josh Brolin Almost Fought Denzel Washington on ‘American Gangster’ Set; Washington Allegedly Told Him: ‘Don’t Ever F—ing Put Your Hand on Me’ pic.twitter.com/LBvyElXDfw
— CinemaBite (@cinema_bite) November 23, 2024
Brolin added Washington was “Frank Lucas,”
but he was unaware. Although they got through the moment a little later, Brolin emphasized that these are nothing but the ghosts of the past since Washington and he now get along “very well.
” On-set tensions are not exactly a rarity and there are plenty of instances where cast members are not exactly on the same page
. However, Brolin and Washington’s exchange was simply a heated moment, nothing more.
What do you think of Josh Brolin’s revelation about his confrontation with Denzel Washington on the sets of the American Gangster
? Let us know in the comments below!
