15 Actors Who Spoiled Their Own Movies

There’s nothing like the feeling of witnessing a jaw-dropping moment in a film viewers didn’t see coming. Whether it’s the introduction of a character audiences were certain was gone, or the confession of an ally who turned out to have ulterior moments all along. While some people don’t mind learning about spoilers before seeing a film, for others it can greatly sour the viewing experience. This strong reaction is one of many reasons actors stay so tight-lipped about what happens in their films.

But we’ve all had moments where we put a foot in our mouths or couldn’t stop blabbing. And though it can be hard to remember, celebrities are humans after all. Plenty of actors have let too much slip about their films before most people had a chance to watch them. For some, it happened during the press tour of said movie. For others, they snuck in details for stories the public wouldn’t see for years. Here are 15 actors who, whether accidentally or purposely, spoiled their own movies.

15 Michael Keaton – Batman (1989)

Bruce Wayne aka Batman is one of the most recognizable superheroes of all time. In the late 1980s, filmmaker Tim Burton took on the task of bringing him, the Joker, and other beloved characters from the original DC Comics to life on screen. In Batman, viewers see how he played a pivotal role in turning the Joker into the crazed villain everyone knows and loves.

Face Palm Moment

Actor Michael Keaton was cast in the titular role. Plenty of pressure comes with stepping into the latex suit of this superhero. Translating a 2D figure into someone that feels whole yet still reminiscent of the original, nailing the action scenes, oh, and not spilling crucial details of the villain’s motivation.

Keaton nailed the first two but fell short of the third when he told David Letterman and the audience about the Joker and Batman’s juicy history. Stream on Max.

14 Jiang Wen – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an epic space opera and another thrilling installment in the Star Wars franchise. It follows Jyn, who has been imprisoned but is rescued by a group of rebels. They didn’t do it out of the kindness of their hearts. Rather, they need her assistance to locate her father, which can lead them to a valuable resource. Among the many people Jyn and the rebels meet is a man named Baze Malbus, a warrior and mercenary.

Did He Just Say That?

Jiang Wen played the unexpected fan favorite, Baze. He has worked on both sides of the camera, as an actor, director, and screenwriter, though Rogue One is his largest project as of 2024. The film had a huge marketing push and went on to gross over $1 billion. Perhaps all that excitement got to Jiang and he couldn’t contain his excitement.

As he answered a question during a high-profile panel he revealed the death of a very important character. A major fumble, but the reactions of his co-stars made it a funny rather than infuriating moment. Stream on Disney+.

13 Channing Tatum – Dog (2022)

Channing Tatum is best known for his projects like Step Up where he played an inner-city kid who connects with a girl at a new school through dance, or Magic Mike as a stripper who is mentoring a newbie in the business. Both are major departures from his directorial debut and acting role in Dog. The movie is about a ranger named Jackson who learns his friend died in a car accident. Jackson is asked to bring the friend’s dog to the owner’s funeral before it is euthanized.

A Calculated Spoil

A common joke people make online is if there’s a dog in a film that it “better not die.” By this point, it seems like a cheap way to get viewers emotionally invested in a story. Tatum was aware of this worry some have when a dog is central to a story and wanted to put those fears to rest.

While on Jimmy Kimmel, Tatum ensured the dog would be alive and well. He stated, “It’s a good ending, just so everyone knows.” The reveal didn’t discourage viewers from seeing it, as it made over five times its budget at the box (according to Box Office Mojo). Stream on Prime Video.

Related: The Best Dog Movies of All Time

12 Anne Hathaway – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises is the final film in The Dark Knight trilogy, directed by Christopher Nolan. Set almost a decade after the previous movie, it centers on Bruce Wayne who is struggling to navigate the grief surrounding the loss of his childhood sweetheart. Everything in his life has been put on hold, but villain Bane returns to Gotham City with a vengeance and implicates Batman in his crimes. If Batman needed a sign to make an explosive comeback, this is it.

Saying Everything By Saying Nothing

Unlike some actors who spoil films, Anne Hathaway wasn’t a green actress excited about her first big role when she let major spoilers slip. She has done it all in her career. Musicals, comedies, dramas, science fiction, you name it. And she portrayed the iconic Selina Kyle, or Catwoman, flawlessly here.

Technically, she didn’t divulge the spoiler when interviewed on David Letterman’s talk show, but her reaction to his statement that Batman dies at the end told audiences everything they needed to know. Stream on Peacock.

11 Will Smith – I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith’s career has largely been built on his comedic roles that co-existed nicely with his affable, goofy personality. But he has refused to be typecast and the post-apocalyptic film I Am Legend remains one of his most unique movies, and one his most loved. In that world, a deadly virus has killed off most of the population except for Dr. Neville (Smith), a dog, and mutants he must fend off as he searches for a cure.

Smith Blabbed About the Ending

The plot of the film may not be too unique from others in the genre, but it still managed to hook audiences. Hopefully, those who listened to the press conference he gave in Tokyo were equally invested.

Smith told reporters (and the world) all about the ending, leading one of the filmmakers to interject. It was a major blunder, but luckily it didn’t spread as hastily as some of the other slip-ups on this list. If the proposed sequel with Michael B. Jordan is indeed happening, let’s hope Smith can hold his tongue. Rent on Apple TV.

10 Billy Dee Williams – Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The Empire Strikes Back is the sequel to Star Wars, and revolves around the battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Darth Vader sends out droids to locate Princess Leia and the rebels. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker needs to learn to wield the force to help take down Darth Vader. Among the many characters introduced is the governor of Cloud City, Lando Calrissian, who is used as a pawn to draw Luke to his enemies.

A Passionate Response

Lando is portrayed by Billy Dee Williams. Movie lovers will not only recognize him from numerous Star Wars films, but from other hits like Batman, Lady Sings the Blues, and The LEGO Movie, among others.

During the press tour for The Empire Strikes Back, Williams bristled at a Today show interviewer referring to Lando as an “evil guy.” Not only did Lando refute that, but he went on to say his character would return in future films. His admission showed his love for the character and also ruined a major twist for fans. Stream on Disney+.

9 Hugh Jackman – Logan (2017)

Hugh Jackman has dazzled on the screen for decades now. Whether he’s belting out tunes for The Greatest Showman or inducing deep belly laughs with his impeccable awards show hosting skills, he’s always a treat to watch. The role that helped him break through to A-lister status is as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise.

One Last Hurrah… Kind of

Wrapping up the end of a trilogy with Logan must have been bittersweet for the actor. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “The idea that, in the end, [Logan] must give his life to save someone else… I thought that was really powerful.”

That statement, while vague, certainly hints at a particular fate for his character. Perhaps he couldn’t help getting sentimental after almost two decades of playing Wolverine. Logan was meant to be his final time suiting up for the role, but he’ll co-star with Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine. Stream on Disney+.

Related: Hugh Jackman’s 20 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

8 Rachel McAdams – The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

Rachel McAdams raised the bar for teen comedies with her portrayal of the queen bee we are equally scared of and enamored by in Mean Girls. But her range expands far beyond the popular, blonde bully. The same year she played Regina George she also depicted Allie Hamilton in The Notebook and has continued to challenge herself in subsequent projects.

See Rachel McAdams spoil The Time Traveler’s Wife on Jon Stewart’s show here.

No Plot Point Left Unturned

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a drama with heavy science fiction and romantic elements. McAdams was cast as Clare, the romantic interest of a man who time travels. With the weaving in and out of timelines, it can be a bit tricky to keep all the pieces together.

While McAdams spoke to Jon Stewart, she revealed that her character’s husband would be able to see his own death. She and the host recognize the blunder, yet she keeps going. Even with Stewart’s attempt to rein it in, McAdams appears to be on a mission to recount the entire plot. Rent on Apple TV.

7 Jason Momoa – Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Aquaman is about the titular character, played by Jason Momoa. He also goes by Arthur and is half-human, half-sea creature with superhuman abilities. The first film was a surprise success, raking in over $1 billion at the global box office. In the sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, he has to team up with his half-brother (whom he has a rocky past with) to keep his family and the world safe.

Momoa Spoiled the Final Scene

There’s something about actors in superhero films and spoilers. To cut them some slack, many of these actors are in several of these films. It can be hard to keep track of who knows what.

A year prior to the film’s release, Momoa divulged what the final scene in the movie entailed. The spoiler came as he was talking about how the film is in conversation with climate change talks, so perhaps he got too passionate. Stream on Netflix.

6 Sylvester Stallone – Creed (2015)

Creed is the first spin-off of the sports series Rocky that took the seventies and eighties by storm. Michael B. Jordan stars as Donnie, an amateur boxer and son of a heavyweight champion. A few setbacks to achieving his dream of greatness shake Donnie, but he eventually heads to Philadelphia to get mentored by Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Rocky was a friend of his dad’s and may be the push he needs to get his career back on track.

Stallone Posted a Photo of the Script

Stallone’s depiction of Rocky is still remembered today, over forty years since the original hit theaters. He put a lot of heart into the project, as he not only starred in the film but wrote and directed various of the installments. One could imagine the thrill he had seeing the story get revived for a modern-day audience.

To express this gratitude and excitement, Stallone posted a photo of the script. Eagle-eyed fans zoomed in and saw a cancer diagnosis for his character. Safe to say it dulled the shock such a revelation would bring. Stream on Peacock.

Related: 10 Greatest Movies from the Creed Franchise

5 Gwyneth Paltrow – Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Gwyneth Paltrow often makes headlines for some outrageous product her wellness and lifestyle brand Goop comes out with or bizarre findings they claim will improve their audience’s lives. She may be taking a hiatus from acting, but her prowess in the field can’t be ignored. She didn’t have a huge role in the MCU films as Pepper Potts, but she made the most of her screen time.

She Spoiled Pepper’s Relationship with Tony Stark

Pepper’s character is the CEO of Stark Industries and the eventual wife of Tony Stark. Their relationship is one of the most interesting in the MCU and many were wondering where it’d go in Avengers: Endgame. Luckily (or unluckily?) for audiences, Paltrow ensured they didn’t have to wait to find out in theaters.

In an interview, she disclosed that Pepper and Tony would have a daughter together. While fans of this relationship were happy about the outcome, most wished they could’ve learned about it for the first time in theaters. Stream on Disney+.

4 David Prowse – Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Darth Vader is the principal antagonist in the Star Wars franchise, and actor David Prowse did a wonderful job capturing his villainy. Though another actor is responsible for the memorable voice, it was Prowse whom viewers connected with on screen. He used his bodybuilding background to bring a toughness to the character that only intensified Darth Vader’s intimidating nature. The Empire Strikes Back gave fans ample opportunity to truly bask in his presence.

Read the David Prowse’s Spoiler News Article Here

He Revealed One of the Biggest Plot Twists of All Time

Filmmakers couldn’t keep their Empire Strikes Back cast in line. First, with Williams, and now with Prowse. His loose lips didn’t come during the press tour weeks before the film’s release.

Two entire years before it premiered, Prowse was answering questions when he revealed a major plot twist. Now, even those who haven’t kept up with the franchise know that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father, but back then it was a huge revelation. Was it a simple joke that turned out to be true? Did Prowse have incredible intuition? We’ll never know. Stream on Disney+.

3 Elizabeth Debicki – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 follows the eponymous group as they continue to protect the galaxy from outside forces with ill intentions. Peter Quill is the leader of the Guardians and though he appears confident in his position of authority, he still questions himself. Part of this is thanks to the questions about his past, including who his parents are. With the help of his team, he may start to find answers.

She Revealed Her Character’s Intentions

Elizabeth Debicki is introduced as the Golden Priestess, Ayesha. Her character is the ruler of the Sovereign people, who are fully gold just as she is. Debicki performed in big-budget projects before, but this film with its decked-out A-list cast was one of her biggest.

While discussing her character’s role, she revealed that Ayesha turns against the Guardians and becomes an antagonist. Some may have anticipated this reveal, but even so, it definitely was a misstep on the actress’ part. Stream on Disney+.

Related: Elizabeth Debicki’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

2 Mark Ruffalo – Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Mark Ruffalo is a consistent presence in the MCU. It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Bruce Banner/the Hulk. He captures both sides of the character’s psyche exceptionally and has amazing chemistry with all of his co-stars. His colleagues have also come to know that Ruffalo cannot be trusted with keeping details under wraps. During an interview for Avengers: Infinity War he candidly blurted out that “everyone dies.” People weren’t sure if he was joking or not, but given his history, many took it at face value.

Reminder to Double-Check

One of his worst, and funniest, instances of spoiling happened with Thor: Ragnarok. Ruffalo makes his co-stars and filmmakers nervous during interviews, so they probably had their guard down at the world premiere.

In an effort to connect with fans, Ruffalo live-streamed himself on the carpet… and in the theater… as the movie played. No one saw what was going on, but they certainly heard it. Even with abruptly ending the stream once realizing his mistake, the damage was already done. Stream on Disney+.

1 Tom Holland – Multiple MCU Films

If fans thought Ruffalo was bad, they are in for a rude awakening when it comes to Tom Holland. The British actor has earned legions of fans due to his depiction of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Not only does he nail the American accent, but he brings all the earnestness to the role many love in the originals. When it comes to what movies Holland has spoiled, it may be easier to discuss which movies he hasn’t.

All for Publicity?

He’s announced there would be upcoming films before the studio had a chance to confirm it. He revealed that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield would make appearances. Not only hinted at the fates of his characters, but that of his co-stars. At this point, many believe this “accidental” slip of the tongue is just a marketing tactic. Whatever it’s evolved into now, it surely appears it began as a young actor eager to talk about the films he gets to be a part of. A theory which, if true, only endears Holland to audiences more.