Steven Spielberg is known for being one of the most talented and respected figures in Hollywood. He has been a part of some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, making him a timeless icon in the industry. Since success brings forth influence as well, it can be assumed that he has a lot of power in the film industry.
Although he has mostly used it for the right reasons, he also has a reputation for being ruthless when pushed. Megan Fox famously experienced the brunt of this trait. However, many believe Spielberg to also be the reason behind Shia LaBeouf’s professional shortcomings. However, some would like to disagree.
Steven Spielberg’s Play With Megan Fox’s Career
During the filming of the cult-classic Transformers series, it was well known that Megan Fox was not getting along with director, Michael Bay. Even though the pair had worked together in the past, there were rumors of fights on set and a lot of tension. During an interview with Wonderland, the actress addressed the conversations head-on and confirmed the rumors to a certain degree.
He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he’s a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he’s not in director mode, I kind of really enjoy his personality because he’s so awkward, so hopelessly awkward.
Fox revealed that although she got along really well with Bay when they were not at work, he was very authoritarian when they were on set. After this interview gained a lot of traction, specifically because of her calling the director of her film ‘Hitler’, it was safe to assume that there would be backlash for her. It was soon announced that the actress had been fired from her role in the series.
You know, the Hitler thing. Steven [Spielberg] said, “Fire her right now.”
During an interview with GQ, Bay revealed the reasoning behind the harsh decision. Since Steven Spielberg served as executive producer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, he had a lot of influence on who got cast and who didn’t. After her comments, the director told Bay not to hire for the new film.
Was Shia LaBeouf Another Victim of Steven Spielberg?
It is safe to say that Steven Spielberg can be ruthless when he wants to. Thanks to his past situation with Megan Fox, many assume that he was the reason behind Shia LaBeouf’s somewhat failing career. However, one fan suggested that other reasons contributed to his professional shortcomings.
During an interview with The Los Angeles Times, LaBeouf mentioned how he was not happy on the set of his Indiana Jones 5, where he worked alongside Steven Spielberg.
I think the audience is pretty intelligent. I think they know when you’ve made … . And I think if you don’t acknowledge it, then why do they trust you the next time you’re promoting a movie. We [Harrison Ford and LaBeouf] had major discussions. He wasn’t happy with it either. Look, the movie could have been updated. There was a reason it wasn’t universally accepted.
Since LaBeouf badmouthed Spielberg’s work, he was not asked to come back for the fifth Indiana Jones film. Many also assume this comment to be the reason why fans haven’t seen him in successful films in some years, with the director potentially alienating him from the industry. However, when a fan brought this up on X recently, Ed Sullivan was quick to point out the biggest reason why audiences don’t want to see that actor anymore.
Not sure he needed any help derailing his career
— Ed Sullivan (@eddie19666) July 23, 2024
LaBeouf has become an extremely controversial figure over the years. His ex-girlfriend, Tahliah Debrett Barnett, famously accused him of s*xual battery, assault, and emotional abuse, which have only added to his spotty public image. Thanks to the actions of his personal life bleeding into his professional life, audiences haven’t wanted to see him in successful works.
