Likewise, the years have provided more clarity for Tom, 44. “In hindsight, I was in over my head in many ways,” he said. “The pressure on both of us was overwhelming at times.”
The actor went on to say that what Charlize “needed was a better, perhaps more experienced partner in me,” joking that “now that I’m older and uglier, I could rise to that occasion.”
In the book, other cast and crew members also detailed their own experiences witnessing the alleged on-set tension between Charlize and Tom. According to those involved in the film, the pair had very different approaches when it came to their craft and often butted heads as a result.
“Tom is very provocative. Charlize isn’t. And it was a clash,” first assistant camera Ricky Schamburg explained, while actor Richard Norton recalled, “Tom would want justification for every bit of choreography, not just in the actual action but in the pre-setup of the action and everything else. Charlize, her basic want is simple: I just want to f–king kill him. Let’s shoot it.”
