Steve McQueen and Yul Brynner’s Legendary Clash Resolved on McQueen’s Deathbed

In a blast from the past, ITV4 is airing the iconic 1960 Western classic, The Magnificent Seven, starring Yul Brynner.

This remake of Seven Samurai featured Brynner in a leading role, with significant influence over casting decisions.

One actor he championed for a role was Steve McQueen.

However, what ensued on set between the two Hollywood stars turned out to be far from harmonious.

Reports swirled in the media about a bitter rivalry brewing between McQueen and Brynner during the filming of The Magnificent Seven.

Brynner attempted to downplay the tension by claiming that his feuds were with studios, not fellow actors.

In reality, McQueen's discontent stemmed from feeling underutilized, with just seven lines in the original script.

His response was to steal the spotlight from Brynner, resorting to attention-grabbing antics like shaking shotgun shells and adjusting his hat during shared scenes, as recalled by co-star Eli Wallach.

Heightening the animosity, both actors engaged in petty acts to assert dominance.

Brynner would stand on a small mound to appear taller, prompting McQueen to childishly kick the mound away each time.

The rivalry extended to critiquing each other's props and even horses, with McQueen deeming Brynner's Colt Peacemaker and horse too extravagant and oversized, respectively.

This hostile dynamic spread to other cast members like Charles Bronson, who sought ways to outshine their peers through attention-grabbing stunts, much to the dismay of director John Sturges.

The escalating tensions culminated in McQueen's terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 50 in 1980, prompting him to reach out to Brynner for reconciliation.

In a heartfelt conversation, McQueen expressed gratitude to Brynner for not ousting him from the film despite their conflicts, acknowledging the pivotal role the project played in his career.

Brynner, in a moment of reflection, likened their relationship to that of a king and a rebel prince, acknowledging McQueen's equal stature and formidable presence on screen.

Tragically, Brynner passed away five years later from lung cancer at the age of 65, marking the end of an era in Hollywood history.