When The Royal Tenenbaums was released in 2001, it received widespread critical acclaim. Its quirky aesthetic, star-studded cast, and deeply emotional narrative made it one of Wes Anderson’s most beloved works. But behind the charm of the Tenenbaum family was a storm brewing—between director Wes Anderson and legendary actor Gene Hackman.

In a recent interview, Anderson revealed for the first time that Hackman was “furious” during production, and the tension stemmed from a very unexpected source: money.

“Gene was very annoyed about the salary structure,” Anderson explained. “We had a flat fee model for everyone. No hierarchy, no star treatment. That really didn’t sit well with him.”

The idea of equal pay across the board came from Anderson’s previous work on Rushmore, where Bill Murray agreed to receive the same salary as then-unknown actor Jason Schwartzman. It was a gesture of artistic unity—everyone being in it together. But for Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, the approach felt insulting.

“He had worked his whole life to get to the top,” said Anderson. “I think he felt like he wasn’t being recognized for that.”

Hackman’s displeasure was apparent from the early days of shooting. According to crew members, his mood often swung between grumpy and openly hostile. Anderson, still a relatively young director at the time, was caught off guard by the intensity.

“It was intimidating,” he admitted. “I was in my 30s and trying to hold together this huge ensemble cast. Gene was by far the most difficult personality to navigate.”

The situation reached a breaking point when Hackman reportedly left the set at the end of filming without saying goodbye to anyone—including the director.

Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Hackman’s performance as Royal Tenenbaum remains one of his most memorable. He even won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, proof that great tension can sometimes yield great art.

Ironically, Hackman later confessed to Anderson that he had changed his mind about the film.

“He told me after it came out that he thought it was a really good movie,” Anderson recalled. “I think if I had shown him a rough cut earlier, things might have been different between us.”

Anderson said that he doesn’t harbor any bitterness. In fact, he now looks back on the experience as a valuable lesson in leadership and creative collaboration.

“You don’t always get to work with people who agree with your vision. But it doesn’t mean the final product can’t be beautiful,” he said.

Hackman retired from acting a few years after The Royal Tenenbaums, and passed away in early 2025 at the age of 95. Though their collaboration was difficult, Anderson respects the actor’s legacy.

“He was one of the greats,” Anderson said. “Even when he was furious, he gave a performance that none of us will ever forget.”

This rare peek behind the curtain reveals just how complex the world of filmmaking can be. Even a whimsical film like The Royal Tenenbaums—known for its pastel color palette and deadpan humor—was shaped by serious conflict, egos, and clashing philosophies. And perhaps that tension is part of what made the story feel so real.