Renowned actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood is one such person whose infamous act of firing his director changed Hollywood forever. As a veteran of acting and directing, Eastwood is known for his seriousness and strictness when it comes to making decisions about the movies he is a part of.
His approach towards his work once led to a major feud with a director, creating a significant change in the film industry.
Clint Eastwood fired the director of his film
With his incredible performances as both an actor and director, Clint Eastwood has undoubtedly left a mark on the film industry. As much as Eastwood is celebrated for his work, his approach is often criticized. According to The Guardian, the Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks once remarked that Eastwood “treats his actors like horses.”
Long before Eastwood gained infamy for his intimidating approach, he became involved in a major feud with filmmaker Philip Kaufman while filming the 1976 movie The Outlaw Josey Wales, based on the novel The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales.
Philip Kaufman was initially in charge of directing the film and aimed to stay true to the book’s narrative while disregarding the author’s political views, which he labeled ‘crude fascist.‘ However, Eastwood disagreed with Kaufman’s approach when it came to adapting the novel for the screen.
This creative difference led to a feud between the two, which escalated when Eastwood cast Sondra Locke against Kaufman’s wishes. According to reports, Kaufman was jealous of the romantic relationship between Eastwood and Locke.
As tension reached its peak, Eastwood decided to take over as the film’s director and asked producer Bob Daley to dismiss Philip Kaufman.
Clint Eastwood brought a change in the film industry with his infamous act
It’s uncommon in the film industry to remove a director in the midst of filming due to creative differences. However, Eastwood, known for his strict approach, did exactly as he pleased and ensured that Kaufman was replaced.
By the time Eastwood made this decision, filming had already begun, and Kaufman had invested significant time and effort into the project. His abrupt removal from the film infuriated the Directors Guild of America, which imposed a $60,000 fine on Warner Bros. and Clint Eastwood.
To prevent such practices in the future, the DGA implemented ‘the Eastwood Rule.’ According to this rule, no actor or producer can fire a director and personally take their place in a film. Although Eastwood replaced Kaufman mid-film, he did an excellent job, and audiences loved the movie.