Rebecca Ferguson recently revisited a deeply unsettling experience on a film set – a moment when a fellow actor erupted in a furious outburst directed at her. It wasn't the identity of the aggressor that compelled her to speak out, but rather the impact the incident had on her own sense of self and boundaries.
Two years ago, Ferguson revealed she’d asked a co-star to be removed from the set after being subjected to a screaming tirade. She opted to act opposite a tennis ball, with the actor later digitally inserted into the scene. While speculation about the actor’s identity continues, she has definitively stated it was neither Tom Cruise nor Hugh Jackman.
Now, she clarifies that her decision to share the story wasn’t about naming names or seeking retribution. It was a reckoning with her own fear and a realization of her own worth. “It was so scary,” she explained, admitting she hadn’t known how to calmly address the situation at the time.
Looking back, Ferguson believes she would now approach the situation differently, attempting a private conversation. She described the actor as “insecure and angry,” but also acknowledged the power dynamics at play – they were the lead, and no one was willing to challenge their behavior.
Ferguson notes a positive shift in the industry, observing that the current climate allows for greater accountability. She believes the pendulum is swinging towards a healthier balance, empowering individuals to speak up against unacceptable conduct.
She recalls leaving the set in tears after being belittled, but returning the next day to firmly demand respect. Her “bluntness,” she’s previously suggested, may be a key factor in securing roles portraying strong, assertive women.
The situation highlighted a troubling dynamic where producers initially discouraged her from asking the actor to leave. It was only after appealing to the director that she received validation – and a startling admission. The director confessed to prioritizing the unstable actor, attempting to manage their insecurities to keep the production running smoothly.
This realization was a turning point. Ferguson reflects that it took years – over a decade of acting since the age of sixteen – to find her voice and understand her own value. She finally felt empowered to demand a safe and respectful working environment.
Beyond the on-set incident, Ferguson also touched upon the complexities of fame. She described the experience as “harrowing and weird,” acknowledging the ego boost that comes with recognition, but also the unsettling nature of constant scrutiny.
While grateful to avoid the relentless paparazzi attention afforded to some of her “Dune” co-stars, she’s keenly aware of the subtle shifts in attention on the red carpet – the moments when the energy dips because she isn’t Timothée Chalamet or Zendaya.
Currently, Ferguson is immersed in a busy period, preparing to reprise her role in the upcoming “Dune” film and starring in “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.” She jokingly admits she didn’t even attempt a Brummie accent for the latter, fearing it would detract from the film’s authenticity.
