Full Breakdown
Behind the Scenes of "Burlesque": Cher and Kristen Bell Reflect on On-Set Drama
1/6/2026, 5:52:50 AM
The Tensions of Production
During a recent episode of the podcast "Armchair Expert," Cher and Kristen Bell discussed the tumultuous filming of the 2010 musical film "Burlesque." Cher, who played club owner Tess Scali, and Bell, who portrayed performer Nikki, recounted how the production was marred by significant drama that detracted from what could have been a successful film. Cher remarked, “It could have been a really good, fun movie — except for you know who,” implying that the issues stemmed from individuals in high positions, rather than the cast.
Key Figures Involved
The film was directed by Steven Antin and produced by Clint Culpepper, who was also the president of Screen Gems. Reports from the time indicated that Antin and Culpepper, who were in a romantic relationship, had frequent and intense arguments on set. These clashes reportedly included an incident where Culpepper poured iced tea over Antin, leading to a chaotic atmosphere that affected the entire crew. Cher noted that she had to intervene at one point, asking Culpepper for a calmer environment, highlighting the disruptive nature of their conflicts.
The Impact of On-Set Drama
Despite the challenges, "Burlesque" achieved commercial success, grossing nearly $100 million worldwide and winning a Golden Globe for Cher's performance of “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.” However, Cher has been critical of the film, stating in past interviews that it was not a good film overall, and she felt her performance was not up to par. She expressed that the film's length and the focus on dance numbers over narrative contributed to its shortcomings.
Official Statements & Responses
In the podcast, Dax Shepard, who hosted the episode and is married to Bell, provided context about the on-set dynamics, mentioning the romantic relationship between Antin and Culpepper and how it played out dramatically during filming. Cher confirmed this, adding that there were other undisclosed issues that contributed to the tension.
Criticism & Opposition
While Cher and Bell did not name specific individuals responsible for the drama, their comments suggest a broader critique of how personal relationships among key production figures can negatively impact a film's environment. The Hollywood Reporter previously highlighted these tensions, indicating that the conflicts were well-known among the cast and crew.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It could have been a really good, fun movie — except for you know who,” — Cher
- “It was a hard shoot. It was hard,” — Kristen Bell
- “Clint, I would like a calmer set.” — Cher
- “I’m cutting that song out because I don’t want Cher to ruin my movie.” — Unnamed executive
Conclusion
The reflections from Cher and Bell on the making of "Burlesque" reveal the complexities of film production, particularly when personal relationships intertwine with professional responsibilities. Despite the challenges faced, the film has left a lasting legacy, including Cher's iconic song, which continues to resonate with audiences.
