Rebecca Ferguson Opens Up About On-Set Conflict with Co-Star
In a candid appearance on the “Reign with Josh Smith” podcast, actress Rebecca Ferguson shared her unsettling experience with a difficult male co-star during a recent film shoot. The “Mission: Impossible” star, who is set to appear in Netflix’s upcoming release, “A House of Dynamite,” recounted a troubling incident that left her in tears after a heated verbal exchange.
Ferguson described her co-star as an “idiot,” recalling a moment when he questioned her acting skills, saying, “You call yourself an actor?” This confrontation led her to walk off the set, expressing her feelings of fear and frustration. In a moment of defiance, she told the actor, “You can eff off. I’m going to work toward a tennis ball. I never want to see you again.”
When asked if she had heard from the actor since her comments gained attention, Ferguson stated she had not and expressed indifference, noting that many others who had worked with him also had “a tough time.” She characterized the situation as “complex” and acknowledged her own role in the conflict, admitting, “I will shove someone under a bus in front of an entire crew to make a point. I don’t applaud my own behavior in that.” Ferguson emphasized the challenges of standing up for oneself in a competitive industry where fear of being replaced looms large.
Importantly, she clarified that her comments were not directed at notable stars like Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, or Ryan Reynolds. In her discussion, Ferguson also reflected on her experience working alongside Cruise in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, humorously referring to him as a “man child” but adding that she meant it in an affectionate way. She detailed the demanding nature of her role, highlighting the unpredictability of filming without a script and the extensive training required for stunt scenes.
Looking ahead, Ferguson is excited about her role in “Dune: Part Three,” where she will reprise her character, Lady Jessica. She described the script as “phenomenal” and noted that they are currently in the midst of filming.
In her latest project, “A House of Dynamite,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Ferguson takes on the role of a White House aide who leads the Situation Room in managing U.S. responses to nuclear threats. While the film is set in the White House, she clarified that it is not a commentary on current political events but rather a thought-provoking exploration of global nuclear weapons. “It’s not about criticizing who’s in charge — it’s questioning why we have such a stockpile of nuclear weapons and why it remains a largely unspoken issue,” she explained. “With nine countries possessing active nuclear weapons and only three being part of NATO, we must ask ourselves: what does it mean for one individual to have the power to initiate a nuclear war?”
Ferguson’s reflections highlight the complexities of the film industry and the broader implications of nuclear policy, making her upcoming projects not only entertaining but also deeply resonant.
