Actor William Baldwin stated in a podcast interview that he and co-star Sharon Stone experienced behind-the-scenes friction during the filming of the erotic thriller Sliver, according to his appearance on Lisa Guerrero Unleashed. The conflict between the co-stars, spanning silent treatments and friction over intimate scenes, resurfaced decades later as both actors offered differing accounts of production pressure from director Phillip Noyce and producer Robert Evans.
The Silent Treatment and Broken Communication on Set
According to William Baldwin, Sharon Stone did not speak to him for roughly a month during the production of Sliver. The film, directed by Phillip Noyce, followed the success of Stone’s 1992 release Basic Instinct. Baldwin recalled that the silent treatment lasted for weeks, during which Stone allegedly failed to say basic greetings such as hello, goodbye, or good morning.
The working relationship deteriorated further during close-up camera setups. Baldwin stated that while Stone was fully prepared for her own on-camera angles, she would disengage entirely when the camera turned toward him. According to Baldwin, his co-star would sit on a box wearing glasses with her script open, refusing to make eye contact or act opposite him.
Dispute Over Intimate Scenes and Direction
The tension culminated ahead of the fourth and final love scene in the film. Baldwin recalled that the initial three intimate scenes were shot early in production when their working relationship was still functioning. Facing the final scheduled romantic sequence, Baldwin approached director Phillip Noyce and producer Robert Evans to refuse the shoot.
According to Baldwin, Noyce and Evans insisted that he was contractually obligated to perform the role. Baldwin agreed to complete the scene under one explicit condition. He stated that he told the producers they could film the sequence, but requested that they not require him to kiss Stone. This negotiation ultimately altered the execution of one of the film’s most publicized sequences.
Contrasting Accounts of Producer Robert Evans and On-Set Chemistry
The behind-the-scenes dynamics shifted years later when Sharon Stone published her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice. Stone claimed that studio pressures blamed her for production troubles, and alleged that producer Robert Evans suggested she sleep with Baldwin to build better on-screen chemistry. Stone reiterated this claim publicly in 2024, explicitly naming Evans and stating the producer believed physical intimacy would improve Baldwin’s performance.
Baldwin offered a contrasting interpretation of the producer’s remarks. While acknowledging that Evans addressed the sexual tension between the leads, Baldwin disputed the interpretation that Evans doubted Stone’s acting abilities. According to Baldwin, Evans remarked that the cast and crew were constantly discussing the heavy, accumulated sexual tension on set, urging the actors to complete the work and resolve the atmosphere.
Public Reactions and Calls to End the Decades-Long Feud
The public disagreement sparked sharp exchanges across media platforms. In 2024, Baldwin posted on X questioning why Stone continued to discuss him years after production wrapped, asserting that he had remained silent regarding various stories about her despite holding material he could share.
Despite the long-standing discord, Baldwin adopted a conciliatory tone in his recent podcast interview. He expressed a desire to resolve the historical dispute, stating an intention to bury the hatchet, shake hands, and embrace Stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the film Sliver released?
Sliver premiered in cinemas two years after the release of Basic Instinct.
What did William Baldwin claim about his interactions with Sharon Stone?
According to Baldwin’s interview on Lisa Guerrero Unleashed, Stone did not speak to him for about a month during production and refused to act opposite him during his close-up camera angles.
What did Sharon Stone allege regarding producer Robert Evans?
In her 2021 memoir and subsequent 2024 statements, Stone claimed that Robert Evans suggested she sleep with Baldwin to improve their on-screen chemistry.
How did Baldwin respond to Evans’ alleged comments?
Baldwin acknowledged that Evans addressed the heavy sexual tension between the co-stars on set, but denied that the producer was questioning Stone’s acting capability.
Worth a look