Filming a movie—any movie!—is a huge endeavor. You’ve got dozens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who need to work in sync to get the best result possible. But if your main actors can’t seem to play off each other well, then there’s a serious problem.
We reached out to the author behind the interesting discussion,redditor u/trpclshrk, and they were kind enough to answer our questions. Meanwhile,Bored Pandaalso got in touch withMike Sington, an entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyle expert based in Hollywood. He shared his tips on increasing chemistry between stars and what actors can do if they have to work alongside difficult colleagues. You’ll find both of our interviews as you read on.
Image credits:trpclshrk
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Tom Cruise was the first person I thought off.I like his performance, but I am very aware that he is an actor, he just doesn’t seem genuine. And his intensity comes into play. I am very conscious that he is pretending to be what he thinks a good dad would be like in ‘War of the Worlds’. In Cocktail, Edge of Tomorrow etc, I don’t buy his relationships. I think this may be a reason, why there was no relationship between him and Demi Moore in ‘A Few Good Men’, I just don’t think he can pull it off. Tbf, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes always looked a bit ‘captive’ in their relationships with him.
Reddit user u/trpclshrk opened up to Bored Panda that what inspired them to create their thread in the first place was having seen a post asking about actors with the best on-screen chemistry.“For some reason, I thought about how Michael C. Hall, even playing Dexter, came across as genuinely not very humanly relatable to me. I’ve seen him in a few other things, but not his other biggest role, which many folks pointed out as disproving my feelings about him,” the OP told us.“Tom Cruise also came to mind, only because he gives off such a ‘main character’ vibe. Real-life self-absorbed people seem this way sometimes. They may be very likable and fun, but it always feels like their circle of people is just an audience that could easily be interchangeable,” the author shared their thoughts.
Reddit user u/trpclshrk opened up to Bored Panda that what inspired them to create their thread in the first place was having seen a post asking about actors with the best on-screen chemistry.
“For some reason, I thought about how Michael C. Hall, even playing Dexter, came across as genuinely not very humanly relatable to me. I’ve seen him in a few other things, but not his other biggest role, which many folks pointed out as disproving my feelings about him,” the OP told us.
“Tom Cruise also came to mind, only because he gives off such a ‘main character’ vibe. Real-life self-absorbed people seem this way sometimes. They may be very likable and fun, but it always feels like their circle of people is just an audience that could easily be interchangeable,” the author shared their thoughts.
You mean like Kristen Stewart always having a look on her face like everyone else smells like s**t and she can’t wait to be somewhere else?
The Rock. Extremely charismatic guy but zero romantic/sexual chemistry with any leading women. He does have good platonic chemistry with other co-stars though.
However, despite the criticism, u/trpclshrk pointed out that they still respect both Hall and Cruise for their skills. “I don’t think either one is a bad actor at all. Please don’t take it that way. I love both,” they said.
Something that the OP noted is the actors who “seem warm or have chemistry were those that had sad-ish eyes.” They added that they realize this sounds a little bit out there. “But Bradley Cooper, Mads Mikkelsen, Al Pacino, they always feel like they really mean things in movies to me,” they said.
“Cooper is a great example of looks and often portrays a beautiful douche kinda, but also always seems to have a heart of gold deep down. I think it’s the eyes.”
Natalie Portman for me. I like her. She’s a good actress. But if you don’t have chemistry with Thor (among others in her filmography), then I dunno. She just seems like she doesn’t really want to be around any of her male co-stars?
Jada Pinkett always has just seemed fake, to me, and it seems to translate onscreen to her costars.
Jennifer Lopez maybe? Emma Watson
In the meantime, Bored Panda reached out toMike Sington, Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, to get his thoughts on sparking chemistry between actors if it’s been lacking initially. He told us that chemistry between co-stars can really enhance the quality of their performance. However, Sington stressed the fact that chemistry can’t always be forced. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to collaborate in order for that to happen.His first tip is to spend more time together, as well as rehearse together. “Building a rapport off-screen through socializing and getting to know each other can help create a more comfortable on-screen dynamic,” he explained why this is so important.Meanwhile, stars can develop a more natural flow and connection if they practice their scenes together and work on their dialogue delivery, as well as their timing. The better the actors understand each other’s characters, motivations, and backstory, the better they can interact in scenes.It can really help if all the actors embrace their characters’ relationships as they are, fully immersing themselves in their roles. That way, their chemistry can evolve organically, rather than in a forced way.
In the meantime, Bored Panda reached out toMike Sington, Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, to get his thoughts on sparking chemistry between actors if it’s been lacking initially. He told us that chemistry between co-stars can really enhance the quality of their performance. However, Sington stressed the fact that chemistry can’t always be forced. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to collaborate in order for that to happen.
His first tip is to spend more time together, as well as rehearse together. “Building a rapport off-screen through socializing and getting to know each other can help create a more comfortable on-screen dynamic,” he explained why this is so important.
Meanwhile, stars can develop a more natural flow and connection if they practice their scenes together and work on their dialogue delivery, as well as their timing. The better the actors understand each other’s characters, motivations, and backstory, the better they can interact in scenes.
It can really help if all the actors embrace their characters’ relationships as they are, fully immersing themselves in their roles. That way, their chemistry can evolve organically, rather than in a forced way.
Daniel Radcliffe and any of the girls in the Harry Potter movies. Some of jlaw and peetas movies.
Keanu Reeves has zero chemistry with romantic co-stars. I said it.
J Lo…ugh.
A big part of building chemistry comes down to developing trust. Ideally, actors should trust their co-stars to the point that they allow themselves to be vulnerable and take creative risks during the scenes they’re in. “Share your thoughts and ideas with your co-star, and be receptive to their feedback,”Singtontold Bored Panda about the importance of open communication.Once they’re comfortable around one another, they can start experimenting with different acting techniques. “Try various acting exercises, improvisation, or methods to explore different ways to connect with your co-star,” the entertainment expert suggested.Bored Panda also wanted to get the expert’s thoughts on how actors can deal with coworkers who have difficult, challenging personalities. After all, working alongside them can be very challenging. According to Sington, it’s extremely important to maintain professionalism at all times.“Focus on your own work and maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid getting involved in any conflicts or drama,” he urged actors. “Concentrate on your acting and the project at hand, as the quality of your work is ultimately what matters most.”
A big part of building chemistry comes down to developing trust. Ideally, actors should trust their co-stars to the point that they allow themselves to be vulnerable and take creative risks during the scenes they’re in. “Share your thoughts and ideas with your co-star, and be receptive to their feedback,”Singtontold Bored Panda about the importance of open communication.
Once they’re comfortable around one another, they can start experimenting with different acting techniques. “Try various acting exercises, improvisation, or methods to explore different ways to connect with your co-star,” the entertainment expert suggested.
Bored Panda also wanted to get the expert’s thoughts on how actors can deal with coworkers who have difficult, challenging personalities. After all, working alongside them can be very challenging. According to Sington, it’s extremely important to maintain professionalism at all times.
“Focus on your own work and maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid getting involved in any conflicts or drama,” he urged actors. “Concentrate on your acting and the project at hand, as the quality of your work is ultimately what matters most.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal, specifically in The Dark Knight.
Gal Gadot incredibly wooden whoever she is acting with.
Gal Gadot, Megan Fox, Emma Watson, Cara Delevigne…Charisma black holes, no matter who they are acting with, they are just… there, existing
Coworkers who don’t get along can try to be more empathetic toward one another and look for common ground. “Look for shared interests or goals that can help build rapport and make the working relationship smoother,”Singtonadvised. “Try to understand where your colleague is coming from and what might be causing their difficult behavior. This can help you approach the situation with more patience.”Actors should also be willing to talk to their colleagues about any concerns that they have. But it’s essential that these discussions are respectful and constructive, not accusatory. In the meantime, they can work on establishing some clear boundaries and seeking the support of the director, producers, or managers, if things get really difficult.
Coworkers who don’t get along can try to be more empathetic toward one another and look for common ground. “Look for shared interests or goals that can help build rapport and make the working relationship smoother,”Singtonadvised. “Try to understand where your colleague is coming from and what might be causing their difficult behavior. This can help you approach the situation with more patience.”
Actors should also be willing to talk to their colleagues about any concerns that they have. But it’s essential that these discussions are respectful and constructive, not accusatory. In the meantime, they can work on establishing some clear boundaries and seeking the support of the director, producers, or managers, if things get really difficult.
Katherine Heigl.
If we are talking about romantic chemistry, than Anne Hathaway. Don’t kill me please! She is very good actress with incredible charisma, but to me, she never seems to have a spark with her romatic on-screen partners. Her cast as Catwoman was the weirdest one, as Selina is a character who is supposed to have chemistry with anything bar noble gas.
Jerry Seinfeld
Chemistry—or a total lack of it—is something that the audience instinctively notices, whether they watch the movie at their local cinema or at home. You can clearly see when the actors ooze charisma, ease into their roles, and instinctively play off one another. It’s also very easy to see when there’s virtually no rapport between the actors and their dialogue and behavior is stiff, clumsy, and awkward.
Mark Wahlberg
Nicolas Cage. He is beyond this world, only he exist in his reality, which is a good reality, and entertaining to watch.
William Shatner. He was in love with himself. Everyone else was lucky to breathe the same air. 🤣
Simply put, unless you’re dealing with acting geniuses or the most seasoned professionals with decades of experience, you probably won’t see instant chemistry between them and the other actors. That’s why it’s so important that everyone’s open to taking direction well. The director and the rest of the crew can give the actors some pointers and help break the ice. Meanwhile, some teambuilding activities and time spent together after work can help the stars vibe with one another more.
Beyoncé whenever she tries to actMaybe she had decent chemistry with Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose as well as Adrian Brody in Cadillac Records? That’s about it…
Chris Pratt. He seems dead inside to me since Guardians 2. He also has super limited range and if it’s not comically over the top sillyness, it just feels wooden.
This might be a weird take, but for me personally it’s Joaquin Phoenix.I think he’s a phenomenal actor, and he basically elevates anything he’s in, but there’s something about him where I see ‘actor-man’ in all his roles. I’m not even sure how to articulate what I’m trying to say. It’s like he takes his role so seriously that he doesn’t consider the person he’s acting across. He’s so focused on his performance that he doesn’t play very well against someone. That’s just my opinion though.
Regarding criticism, it’s important that actors listen to what’s being said. The fact of the matter is that everyone’s a human being who makes mistakes. Even the best of the best aren’t error-free. If you’re a world-famous celebrity with a growth-oriented mindset, then you probably know how to take criticism well. Not only does that make you someone pleasant to work with, it means that you’re more likely to be invited to act in other high-profile projects. In short, there are very practical reasons to be flexible and nice to others.No matter how kind and respectful you are, at some point in your career, you’re likely to work alongside someone who has a very difficult personality. Or, to put it slightly more bluntly, you don’t like them, on a fundamental level. That might cause a lot of friction between you two, and it’ll affect the quality of your scenes. So it’s important to know how to tackle those issues, instead of holding onto all that frustration inside of you.
Regarding criticism, it’s important that actors listen to what’s being said. The fact of the matter is that everyone’s a human being who makes mistakes. Even the best of the best aren’t error-free. If you’re a world-famous celebrity with a growth-oriented mindset, then you probably know how to take criticism well. Not only does that make you someone pleasant to work with, it means that you’re more likely to be invited to act in other high-profile projects. In short, there are very practical reasons to be flexible and nice to others.
No matter how kind and respectful you are, at some point in your career, you’re likely to work alongside someone who has a very difficult personality. Or, to put it slightly more bluntly, you don’t like them, on a fundamental level. That might cause a lot of friction between you two, and it’ll affect the quality of your scenes. So it’s important to know how to tackle those issues, instead of holding onto all that frustration inside of you.
Denise Richards, specifically The World Is Not Enough and Starship Troopers.
Cate Blanchett sometimes. It makes sense when she’s cast for a more powerful, aloof or icy role (she’s wonderful in all).But something like her role in Benjamin Button, her and Brad Pitt had no chemistry.
best chemistry..maybe Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner? And for worst my nomination goes to Jonah Hill and whoever his costar was in ‘you people’
According to ‘Backstage,’the actor might want to take their difficult coworker aside and speak to them about their behavior privately. The key here is to not make the conversation seem like you’re accusing them of anything. Focus more on how you felt when they did something, rather than telling them how wrong they were, so that they don’t get all defensive. Ideally, they’ll get the subtle hint. Not everyone is mean or rude because they’re a jerk. Sometimes, people are simply unaware of how their behavior affects everyone around them.However, if your private one-on-one didn’t bear any fruit, it might be time to ask someone to mediate the conflict. Try explaining the situation to the assistant director or the stage manager. For one, they have a wealth of experience managing people. On top of that, they might see the problem from a fresh perspective. This might help them come up with a solution that you might not have even thought of before.
According to ‘Backstage,’the actor might want to take their difficult coworker aside and speak to them about their behavior privately. The key here is to not make the conversation seem like you’re accusing them of anything. Focus more on how you felt when they did something, rather than telling them how wrong they were, so that they don’t get all defensive. Ideally, they’ll get the subtle hint. Not everyone is mean or rude because they’re a jerk. Sometimes, people are simply unaware of how their behavior affects everyone around them.
However, if your private one-on-one didn’t bear any fruit, it might be time to ask someone to mediate the conflict. Try explaining the situation to the assistant director or the stage manager. For one, they have a wealth of experience managing people. On top of that, they might see the problem from a fresh perspective. This might help them come up with a solution that you might not have even thought of before.
Daniel Craig - 2 x 4 pieces of wood have more emotional connection to people than he shows.
Leonardo DiCaprio. Somehow I feel like he thinks he is “above”…idk
Arnold. I love him, but I’ve never believed him in any of his romantic scenes. His “chemistry” with Sharon Stone in Total Recall is particularly memorable for it’s hollowness.
Of course, if your co-star is completely toxic, harasses others, and has no respect for anyone, it might be time to go higher up the movie industry food chain. Bring the problem to the director, your union, or even the authorities if necessary. You may even want to consider leaving the project for greener pastures. Just remember to keep things as professional as possible.
Robert Pattinson. I don’t know why he is so famous.
Other than Heat, I’ve never felt Deniro had good chemistry with an actress.
Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
Which of these opinions do you agree with, dear Pandas? Which ones do you think were totally wrong? What actors do you personally think have the best and worst chemistry on-screen? We’d love to hear from you, so scroll down to the comment section and voice your thoughts.
Julia Stiles has the chemistry of a piece of wet cardboard. She’s so awful that she brings everyone else down with her.
See Also on Bored Panda
Chris Evans and Ana de Armas in Ghosted… no chemistry at all
Claire Forlani - I don’t know why, but for me it always feels like she doesn’t like her costars.
Jennifer Lawrence
John Malkovich should not play a father figure. A role he has been cast in many times. He doesnt feel like he loves being a parent on screen.
Rob Lowe. He has no romantic chemistry with any actress ever. Shows kept trying with different women but it never worked.
Cara Delevingne
Affleck. Outside of the rapport he had with Damon and the other guys in Good Will Hunting, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him actually engage with the cast he’s with.
Heard & Mamoa
Zoe Kravitz! Especially in The Batman and Big Little Lies
Ive never liked Jesse Eisenberg. He has all the charisma of a self untiled knowitall who thinks he’s the coolest guy you’ve ever met. I don’t see chemistry between him and oxygen.
Jimmy Stewart. Amazing Actor, couldn’t convincingly kiss his co-star to save his life.
Andie McDowell
Ana de Armas, honestly I can’t
January Jones has zero chemistry with literally everyone.
Brie Larson in Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame. Though, to be fair, I’ve already seen the interviews with her and the Chris(s) and Don Cheadle, so she as a person might have soured my opinion of Carol Danvers.
anthony mackiehe is a great actor but his buddy buddy interactions always feel forced to me.
A very specific example but Jodie Foster and Tom Skerrit in Contact. Individually they both do a great job but anytime they’re in a scene together it’s cringeworthy. No idea why, but it’s always bothered me.
Emilia Clark. Didn’t have chemistry with the Jon Snow actor and had even less with her co-star in that god awful Terminator movie
Jai Courtney.
I love Bryan Cranston, but I can’t see him with any romantic chemistry with a co-star. He had great chemistry with Aaron Paul.
Samuel L Jackson 😂😂😂😂😂 M********A im married !
George Clooney. The only exception may be “Out Of Sight” with Jennifer Lopez.
Charlie chan
Halle Berry
Cillian Murphy, the man is BEAUTIFUL. And literally one of the most handsome man in the world (imho), but he’s had like zero chemistry with the actress who played Grace in Peaky Blinders. And I can’t even think of another female costar with whom he’s had ANY chemistry🤣
William Hurt.
Riley Keough
Henry Cavill
Modal closeAdd Your Answer!Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Modal close
Add Your Answer!Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Not your original work?Add source
Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Upload
UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.
TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark
InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark
FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
ChangeSourceTitle
You May LikeSide-By-Side Pics Of Famous Actors’ First And Last Red Carpet PhotosAurelija Rakauskaitė30 Times People Learned Something About A Celebrity And Could Never Look At Them The SameRugilė Žemaitytė50 Best Actors To Have Ever Graced Our ScreensLinas Simonaitis
Aurelija Rakauskaitė
Rugilė Žemaitytė
Linas Simonaitis
Entertainment
