Justified Feud: Olyphant & Goggins' Behind-the-Scenes Tension
The Justified feud between co-stars Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins has long been a topic of discussion among fans of the hit FX series. This article delves into the reported tension between the actors during the later seasons of "Justified," exploring the reasons behind their strained relationship and eventual reconciliation.
The details of the actors' relationship became public knowledge through Peter Biskind's book, Pandora's Box: How Guts, Guile, and Greed Upended TV . Goggins openly admitted that he and Olyphant "weren't talking" towards the end of the series, attributing it to the intense conflict between their characters, Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder.
Goggins explained in an interview that they were both deeply immersed in their roles and fiercely protective of their characters' perspectives, which created tension on set. He noted, "We had a tough time towards the end of Justified... We were so deep into these people we were playing, and they were so polar opposite at this point in the story… I think we were both obsessed with our own points of view, just carrying the weight of this conflict."
Different Acting Styles and the Justified Feud
A significant factor contributing to the Justified feud was the actors' contrasting approaches to acting. Olyphant is known for his more relaxed and spontaneous style, while Goggins immerses himself deeply in his roles, meticulously crafting distinct characters.
Olyphant once shared, "I'm not even interested [in] what [my character] was like when he was seven years old or 15 years old or 18 years old...You're just playing the scene; you're just literally playing what's in front of you." This contrasts sharply with Goggins' dedication to understanding every facet of his characters.
According to Olyphant, Goggins would sometimes challenge decisions made by the writing staff, arguing that his character wouldn't act in a certain way. This created friction, as Olyphant explained, "There was this thing where, as the show went on, and especially as the thing came to an end, where I would come from the writers' room,...They'd add things that were like, 'Here's what we need Walt to do in order to get to this finale we want.' Then Walt would say his character would never do that, and then I'd be like, 'Goddamn it.'"
These differing viewpoints and the resulting frustrations likely contributed to the on-set tension between the two actors. The intensity of their characters' relationship, combined with their contrasting acting methods, created a challenging working environment.
Reconciliation and Future Collaborations
Despite the Justified feud, Olyphant and Goggins have since reconciled and appear to have put their differences behind them. In 2023, Goggins shared a photo of himself with Olyphant in Thailand, accompanied by a positive caption about their reunion.
The actors have also expressed interest in working together again. The "Justified: City Primeval" finale teased a potential reunion between Raylan and Boyd, and both Olyphant and Goggins have indicated their willingness to reprise their roles.
The final scene of "Justified," featuring Raylan and Boyd's exchange of "We dug coal together," serves as a fitting metaphor for their complex relationship, both on and off-screen. It highlights the enduring connection between the two characters, despite their conflicts and diverging paths.
In conclusion, the Justified feud between Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins stemmed from a combination of factors, including their contrasting acting styles and the intensity of their characters' relationship. However, their eventual reconciliation suggests that the bond they forged during the series ultimately outweighed their differences, leaving fans hopeful for future collaborations.