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Josh Brolin revealed he “almost got into a fight” with Denzel Washington on the set of American gangster.

Before Washington played in Gladiator 2he appeared in director Ridley Scott’s 2007 crime drama, playing criminal Frank Lucas. His co-star in the film was Brolin who, at the time, was a rising Hollywood star who would go on to play Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

According to the actor, hostilities began when Washington “caught wind” of producer Brian Grazer praising his performance alongside Russell Crowe – and came to a head when Washington “changed the structure” of their first scene together.

Speaking on In depth with Graham BensingerBrolin, who said he “gets along really well” with the Oscar winner now, said: “Denzel was a little late for filming and there was a whole thing going on there. And then he showed me the lines… he didn’t change any of my lines, but he kind of changed the structure of them. He said, ‘I think I’m going to put this here and I’m going to put this up there.’ But he wasn’t really looking at me.

Brolin said they immediately rehearsed the scene in his new form, but admitted he struggled to be “super confident” due to Washington’s star power.

“I was trying to remember the structure, and then we rehearsed. There weren’t many lines, mostly mine. And I’m supposed to be super confident. It’s Denzel Washington, man. It’s not easy – you’re just an actor they’re trying out, to see if he’s the real one or not. And I forgot a line.

It was here that Brolin put his hand on Washington’s shoulder and asked, “What’s the line?” »

Brolin continued, “He hit my hand and he said, ‘Don’t ever put your hand on me.’ And I was like, ‘Holy shit, I’m going to part ways with Denzel Washington.’ It’s crazy.

“We are no longer actors – at least in my mind. In his mind, he was just doing his job. It was this guy. His name was Frank Lucas, period. But I didn’t know. And then we went through this moment. I said, “Are you okay?” He said, “Yeah. You?’ I said, “Yeah. Can I have my line? He said, “Go ahead.” It’s like he said what he needed to say.

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Brolin has released a new memoir, titled Under the truckwhich sees him reflect on his childhood, his struggles with addiction and his roles in films including No country for old people.

Meanwhile, Washington receives rave reviews for his role in Gladiator 2which propelled it directly into the race for the 2025 Oscars. The film is currently in theaters.