Cher has shared insights into the behind-the-scenes challenges that marred the production of her 2010 film, Burlesque. During a candid discussion on Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert, on January 5, 2024, she reflected on how these tensions prevented the musical from realizing its full potential, despite later gaining a devoted following.
In the film, Cher portrayed Tess Scali, the compassionate owner of the Burlesque Lounge, while Christina Aguilera played the ambitious small-town singer, Ali. Kristen Bell also featured prominently as Nikki, one of the standout performers at the club. During the conversation, Cher described the production environment as fraught with difficulties, remarking that the film could have been “a fun, great movie” were it not for the on-set drama. She cryptically referenced “you-know-who” and indicated that the tensions stemmed from a romance between two influential figures in the production, without naming them.
Bell corroborated Cher’s sentiments, describing the filming process as “hard.” Shepard, who was romantically linked to Bell at the time, hinted at the complications caused by the relationship of the two individuals, suggesting that their personal conflicts affected the overall atmosphere on set.
Cher also revealed a personal grievance regarding the film’s music. She recounted that a prominent figure wanted to exclude her song, “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me,” from the final cut. “He said, ‘I’m cutting that song because I don’t want Cher to ruin my movie,’” she recalled. Ultimately, the song remained in the film and went on to win a Golden Globe award, demonstrating its impact and significance within the production.
Reports surrounding the film’s release further confirmed the tension during its making. According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Steven Antin and Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper, who were in a long-term relationship, experienced significant conflicts throughout the production process. These clashes reportedly contributed to the tumultuous working environment, which affected the cast and crew.
As Cher reflected on her experiences, it became evident that while Burlesque eventually found its audience, the on-set drama had lasting implications for the film’s initial reception and its creative direction. Cher’s candid remarks provide a glimpse into the complexities of filmmaking, where personal dynamics can dramatically influence the final product.
