Safdie brothers reportedly split over incident involving teen actor on set

Posted On January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

The Safdie brothers officially parted ways in 2023 after years of working together. At the time, no reason was given for the split, prompting widespread speculation. Now, a new report from Page Six alleges that a disturbing on-set incident involving a teenage actor may have played a role.

The report from the publication claims that the fallout dates back to 2017 and to the set of Good Time, with sources citing the alleged treatment of a 17-year-old girl who was cast to play a prostitute in the crime film.

On set, the 17-year-old actor was cast in a scene involving nudity and simulated sex with Buddy Duress, a non-professional actor. The Safdie brothers are known for combining trained and untrained performers in their work. However, court records show that Duress, whose real name was Michael Stathis, had a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for drug offences, weapons violations, and theft. He was reportedly under the influence during filming. In 2023, he died from a heroin overdose.

According to the report, Josh Safdie, who was leading the directing of this particular scene, watched from the monitor as Duress was inappropriate towards the young actor, allegedly pulling down his pants, revealing himself and allegedly asking the girl if “he could stick it in”, multiple sources told the magazine. 

An on-set source said, “Any director who had seen that should have yelled ‘Cut!’ and stopped the scene, but Josh let it continue”.

Other sources said Josh Safdie claimed he only became aware of the girl’s age after the scene had already been filmed. Page Six, though, reports that sources close to the brothers claim this led to the breakdown of their relationship.

The scene was cut from Good Time before its premiere. Sources close to the brothers claim that it was “for creative reasons”. However, Page Six writes that the use of a minor for a nude and sex scene would go against industry norms and standards, quoting a Screen Actors Guild rule that states that stipulates work conditions not be “detrimental to the health, morals and safety of the minor”. 

The report also raises concerns about Josh Safdie’s continued use of non-professional actors. The director, recently nominated for ‘Best Director’ at the 2026 Oscars for Marty Supreme, came under renewed scrutiny after the film’s lead, Timothée Chalamet, said during a recent Q&A that a background performer had threatened him on set.

According to Chalamet, the performer told him, “I was just in jail for 30 years. You really don’t want to fuck with me. You don’t want to see me angry.”

For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.

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