Outer Banks fans speculate Rudy Pankow, Madison Bailey used stunt doubles for cuddle scene amid feud

Outer Banks viewers speculate about cast tension after observing noticeable stunt double usage in season 4.

Fans of Netflix's 'Outer Banks' are speculating that stunt doubles were used for a scene involving cast members Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, sparking rumors of an off-screen feud. The rumors began after the season four finale, where a pivotal scene between Pankow’s character JJ, and Bailey’s character Kiara, showed them cuddling, but the camera angles ensured they never appeared on screen together. This has led fans to believe doubles were used, with some calling the scene “bizarre” and pointing out apparent tension between the actors.

Fans have taken to social media to discuss the scene, with one viewer tweeting, “This is just insane, the fact that Rudy and Madison refused to record it together and they had to use a stunt double shows their unprofessionalism." Others criticized the apparent discomfort between the two actors, writing, “Rudy and Madison cannot handle being actors, BC [because] WTH [what the heck] do you mean stunt doubles for laying on someone’s shoulder?”

The alleged tension is reportedly linked to past fan theories surrounding the characters Kiara and JJ, which may have caused unease between the actors and their respective real-life partners. Another fan commented, “What happened between Madison and Rudy that was so bad that they can’t even act in scenes together?”

The show, which follows a group of teens hunting for treasure, has yet to address these speculations. Season four ended with JJ’s tragic death, a plot twist some fans believe may relate to these rumored tensions. According to StyleCaster, speculation about a possible rift between the two actors reportedly began last year following a cast dinner that included Pankow’s girlfriend, Elaine Siemek, after which social media unfollows reportedly occurred among cast members. Netflix has announced that 'Outer Banks' will return for a fifth and final season in 2025.