Josh Brolin recently shared details about a tense encounter with Denzel Washington on the set of Ridley Scott’s American Gangster during his appearance on the “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” podcast.
The actor, promoting his memoir From Under the Truck, described a near altercation sparked by an on-set misunderstanding.
Brolin recalled that Washington, playing the notorious drug lord Frank Lucas, was late to set and adjusted the structure of their lines. During a rehearsal, Brolin forgot a line and placed his hand on Washington’s shoulder to ask for it. Washington, staying in character, slapped Brolin’s hand away, saying, “Don’t ever f***ing put your hand on me.”
“I was like, ‘Holy shit, I’m gonna scrap with Denzel Washington,’” Brolin admitted. He clarified that the confrontation was short-lived, as Washington quickly shifted back to a professional demeanor. Afterward, the actors resolved the moment, with Washington asking, “Are you OK?” and Brolin responding, “Yeah. Can I get my line?”
Brolin emphasized that the two have a good relationship now and chalked up the incident to Washington’s method acting as Frank Lucas. American Gangster opened in 2007, earning critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for co-star Ruby Dee.
The movie marked Washington’s first collaboration with Ridley Scott, whose involvement later convinced him to join Gladiator II. Brolin’s memoir, From Under the Truck, offers more behind-the-scenes insights and is now available for purchase.
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