Steve McQueen’s Determination to Steal the Spotlight in “The Magnificent Seven”

Intriguing Clash of Personalities on the Set

Steve McQueen, known as the King of Cool, has become an iconic figure since his untimely death in 1980.

His stoic face and piercing blue eyes have graced countless black-and-white and color photos, capturing his adventurous spirit.

However, behind the scenes of one of his most famous films, “The Magnificent Seven,” McQueen's relentless pursuit of success led to tension with co-star Yul Brynner.

Despite his laid-back and confident persona, McQueen had a burning desire for a successful film career in the late 1950s.

He was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals, even if it meant causing turmoil on set.

“The Magnificent Seven,” directed by John Sturges, is now considered a classic Western, but its production was fraught with difficulties and conflicts.

The film, based on Akira Kurosawa's “The Seven Samurai,” faced legal disputes over adaptation rights and battles over screenwriter credit.

As an impending Actors Strike loomed, the movie was rushed into casting, and it was shot in Mexico amidst challenges imposed by a disapproving Mexican censor.

While “The Magnificent Seven” is now praised for its excitement and drama, it was anything but harmonious behind the scenes, with Steve McQueen contributing significantly to the tense atmosphere.

During the late 1950s, McQueen was primarily known for his television role as bounty hunter Josh Randall in “Wanted: Dead or Alive.”

Eager to break into the film industry, he desperately wanted a part in “The Magnificent Seven.”

However, his contract for the hit TV series prevented him from taking on the role.

Determined to secure the opportunity, McQueen resorted to extreme measures and intentionally caused a car accident.

The story, which has circulated in Hollywood, claims that McQueen purposely crashed his car into the side of a bank while on vacation in Boston.

His agent confirmed the incident, stating that McQueen emerged from the crash with whiplash.

This dangerous act allowed him to break free from his TV contract and ultimately win the role of Vin Tanner in “The Magnificent Seven.”

Upon arriving on set, McQueen found himself facing a formidable opponent in Yul Brynner, who not only supported McQueen's casting but may have even suggested it.

Despite Brynner's approval, tensions between the two actors quickly escalated.

Stories of their rivalry became so widespread that Brynner had to give a newspaper interview to calm the situation.

Brynner, a highly successful actor at the time, possessed a magnetic charm and had enjoyed a string of recent successes in major films like “The King and I” and “The Ten Commandments.”

The clash between McQueen and Brynner seemed inevitable, given their shared ambition and competitive nature.

Although McQueen and Brynner came from different backgrounds, they had similar experiences of abandonment and struggles in their personal lives.

McQueen grew up without his father and faced a difficult upbringing, while Brynner fabricated various stories about his heritage.

Despite these personal challenges, both actors found solace in their careers, becoming iconic figures in the film industry.

With seven main characters in the film, there was the potential for the cast to feel overshadowed.

McQueen, in particular, felt dissatisfied with his number of lines compared to Brynner's character.

He constantly sought ways to divert attention towards himself, employing various tactics such as removing his hat, playing with his gun, and engaging in physical actions during scenes shared with Brynner.

Their rivalry even extended to the height difference between them, with rumors suggesting that McQueen would kick down dirt mounds strategically placed to make Brynner appear taller.

McQueen's competitiveness and refusal to stand still during scenes with Brynner led to clashes between the two actors.

One incident involved Brynner grabbing McQueen's shoulder in front of a crowd, sparking a heated exchange.

McQueen staunchly defended his acting style, refusing to conform to Brynner's expectations.

“The Magnificent Seven” initially received mixed reviews upon its release in 1960.

However, after gaining popularity in Europe, the film was re-released in the United States and eventually achieved success.

Both McQueen and Brynner delivered captivating performances, with Brynner's intense gaze leaving a lasting impression and McQueen showcasing his likability and athletic prowess.

Following “The Magnificent Seven,” McQueen's anti-hero image proved popular throughout the 1960s, propelling him to become one of the highest-paid actors in America.

However, his reputation for being difficult to work with persisted.

He harbored envy towards actor Paul Newman and demanded equal treatment on set, even going as far as insisting they have the same number of lines in “The Towering Inferno.”

Meanwhile, Brynner's career gradually declined in the following decades, as his acting style failed to resonate with changing audience preferences.

Surprisingly, McQueen reached out to Brynner in the 1970s to apologize for their past conflicts.

Brynner accepted the apology graciously, recognizing the dangerous yet compelling dynamic between them.

In conclusion, Steve McQueen's relentless pursuit of success in “The Magnificent Seven” led to clashes with co-star Yul Brynner.

Their intense rivalry and desire to outshine each other on set created a tense atmosphere, but their performances ultimately contributed to the film's enduring legacy.

Despite their differences, both actors left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.