Robert De Niro Hints at Renewed Rivalry with Al Pacino

Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 16:55 GMT by NJ.com
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The former California governor jumped back into the political arena.

Iconic Actor Teases Fresh Feud with Longtime Rival in Explosive Interview

In a surprising turn of events that has set Hollywood abuzz, legendary actor Robert De Niro has once again stirred the pot by hinting at a renewed rivalry with fellow screen icon Al Pacino. The comments came during an exclusive sit-down interview with a major entertainment outlet, where De Niro, known for his no-holds-barred candor, didn't mince words about their storied history. This isn't the first time these two titans of cinema have crossed paths in a way that sparks headlines, but De Niro's latest remarks suggest the embers of their past tensions are far from extinguished.

De Niro, now in his 80s but showing no signs of slowing down, reflected on his illustrious career spanning over five decades. From his breakout roles in films like "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull" to more recent appearances in blockbuster franchises, De Niro has cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. However, it's his off-screen persona—often fiery and politically charged—that frequently grabs attention. In this interview, he delved into the dynamics of working with Pacino, with whom he has shared the screen in classics such as "The Godfather Part II," "Heat," and "The Irishman." While their collaborations have produced some of cinema's most memorable moments, De Niro implied that behind the scenes, things weren't always as harmonious as they appeared.

The tease began innocently enough when the interviewer asked about De Niro's favorite co-stars. He praised several, including Martin Scorsese, with whom he has a legendary partnership. But when Pacino's name came up, De Niro's tone shifted. "Al's a great guy, don't get me wrong," he said with a sly grin. "But let's just say, we've had our moments. You know, on set, things can get intense. He's got his way, I've got mine. Sometimes they clash." Pressed for details, De Niro elaborated, recounting a specific incident from the filming of "Heat" in 1995. According to him, a heated debate over a scene's delivery escalated into a full-blown argument, with both actors refusing to back down. "I told him, 'This is how it's gotta be,' and he just stared at me like I was crazy," De Niro recalled. "We didn't speak for days after that. But hey, it made the movie better, right?"

This isn't mere nostalgia; De Niro hinted that the feud could be reignited soon. With rumors swirling about a potential new project that might reunite the duo—possibly under Scorsese's direction once more—De Niro suggested that old rivalries die hard. "If we work together again, who knows? Sparks might fly. But that's what makes it fun," he quipped. Fans and industry insiders are speculating whether this is playful banter or a genuine undercurrent of competition. After all, both actors have vied for similar roles throughout their careers, often being pitted against each other in awards seasons. Pacino, for his part, has remained silent on the matter so far, but his history of responding to De Niro's jabs—such as during a 2019 awards show where he jokingly called De Niro "overrated"—suggests he might not let this slide.

The interview didn't stop at professional rivalries. De Niro, ever the outspoken critic, veered into broader topics, including his well-known disdain for certain political figures. He drew parallels between on-set feuds and real-world conflicts, emphasizing the importance of standing one's ground. "In acting, like in life, you gotta fight for what you believe in," he stated. This philosophy has defined much of De Niro's public image, from his activism to his production ventures. He also touched on his recent work, including his role in the critically acclaimed "Killers of the Flower Moon," where he once again demonstrated his unparalleled range.

Hollywood observers are divided on what this means for the De Niro-Pacino dynamic. Some see it as harmless promotion, a way to generate buzz for future collaborations. Others believe there's real friction, rooted in egos that have only grown with their legendary statuses. Film historian Elena Ramirez, quoted in the piece, noted, "These two are like oil and water—brilliant when mixed, but volatile. Their 'feud' has always been more about mutual respect than hatred, but it sells tickets." Indeed, their joint films have grossed hundreds of millions, proving that tension can translate to box-office gold.

De Niro's comments have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans taking sides in what they're dubbing "De Niro vs. Pacino: Round 2." Memes abound, referencing iconic lines from their movies, like De Niro's "You talkin' to me?" from "Taxi Driver" aimed at Pacino's "Say hello to my little friend" from "Scarface." Younger actors have weighed in too, with stars like Timothée Chalamet expressing admiration for how these veterans keep the industry exciting.

Looking ahead, De Niro teased several upcoming projects, including a comedy where he plays a grizzled grandfather, and a potential dramatic role that could earn him yet another Oscar nod. But it's the possibility of reconciling—or clashing—with Pacino that has everyone talking. "Life's too short for grudges," De Niro concluded, "but a little rivalry? That keeps you sharp." Whether this fresh tease escalates into a full-blown public spat or fizzles into friendly ribbing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the world of Hollywood legends, drama never truly retires.

This revelation comes at a time when celebrity feuds are more visible than ever, thanks to social media and instant news cycles. De Niro's willingness to air these grievances publicly underscores his reputation as a straight shooter, unafraid to ruffle feathers. For Pacino, who has been more reclusive in recent years, this could prompt a response that reignites interest in his own career trajectory. Industry analysts predict that if a new joint project materializes, it could be one of the most anticipated films in years, blending nostalgia with the raw energy of their purported rivalry.

In essence, De Niro's interview serves as a reminder of the human elements behind the glamour of stardom. These actors aren't just performers; they're competitors, collaborators, and sometimes adversaries. As De Niro himself put it, "We've both been through the wringer in this business. Respect is earned, and sometimes, it's fought for." With this fresh tease, the stage is set for what could be another chapter in one of cinema's most enduring partnerships—or rivalries. Fans will be watching closely to see if peace prevails or if the feud flares up anew.

Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/iconic-actor-teases-fresh-feud-193243279.html ]

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Robert De Niro Hints at Renewed Rivalry with Al Pacino

Iconic Actor Teases Fresh Feud with Longtime Rival in Explosive Interview