James Coburn Truly Hated Yul Brynner — Now We Finally Know Why

James Coburn, known for his cool and easygoing style, had one major exception to his laid-back rule: Yul Brynner. And he never let go of that grudge.

The two clashed during the 1960 production of The Magnificent Seven, and Coburn later made it clear he couldn't stand working with Brynner. What started as professional tension turned into long-term personal dislike — and now, we finally know what set him off.

Brynner, already a major star thanks to The King and I, came onto the Western set with a massive ego and a need to control everything. He reportedly demanded top billing, the best camera angles, and even tried to dictate how other actors delivered their lines.

Coburn, still early in his film career, was trying to play the quiet, focused knife-thrower Britt — a man of few words and no nonsense. Brynner's constant attempts to dominate the spotlight rubbed him the wrong way from day one.

The tipping point came during a group scene, when Steve McQueen started pulling small tricks — fiddling with his hat, shifting his weight — just enough to pull audience attention without saying a word. Brynner exploded.

He stormed off set, furious McQueen was "stealing" the scene. Coburn reportedly muttered, "Biggest damn baby in the West."

That wasn't a one-time outburst. Coburn told those close to him that Brynner was a nightmare to work with — and he never softened with time.

In later interviews, he avoided talking about Brynner altogether, and when pushed, called him "a royal pain in the ass."

Despite the drama, the film became a classic. But for Coburn, it came with a lasting aftertaste. He much preferred working with guys like Charles Bronson or Robert Vaughn — actors focused on the work, not on controlling the set.

It's rare for Coburn, who was famously chill, to speak ill of anyone. Which makes it all the more telling that when it came to Yul Brynner, he never let it go.