Shia LaBeouf's Erratic Behavior Raises Concerns on Film Set

Production sources say actor was "completely wild" during recent Oklahoma shoot

Feb. 22, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Months before Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans, the actor's increasingly erratic behavior sparked concern on the set of his upcoming movie, with production sources saying he was "completely wild" and that they "don't think he's stable." LaBeouf allegedly pushed the "Method acting" approach to the extreme, creating a "hostile" work environment and frequently belittling his co-star. His behavior also raised safety concerns when he improvised a scene where he jumped into a live bull pen at a local honky tonk.

Why it matters

LaBeouf's behavior on set and his recent arrest in New Orleans have raised questions about the actor's mental health and ability to safely work on film productions. This incident highlights the challenges productions can face when working with actors who may be struggling with personal issues.

The details

Multiple production sources on LaBeouf's upcoming film "The Rooster Prince" said the actor was "completely wild" on set, with one saying "I don't think he's stable. I don't know that he's been stable for a while." They described LaBeouf as adopting an extreme "Method acting" approach, blurring the lines between his character and his own behavior. This allegedly created a "hostile" work environment, with LaBeouf frequently belittling his co-star Jackson White. LaBeouf's behavior also raised safety concerns when he improvised a scene where he jumped into a live bull pen at a local honky tonk, nearly getting charged by the bull.

  • In the days leading up to LaBeouf's arrest in New Orleans, multiple bartenders and patrons said the actor had become a "nuisance" around town, showing up "inebriated" and interacting with people.
  • The month-long shoot for "The Rooster Prince" took place in Oklahoma last November.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

The 39-year-old actor who was arrested in New Orleans and whose erratic behavior on the set of his upcoming film "The Rooster Prince" raised concerns among production sources.

Jackson White

LaBeouf's co-star in "The Rooster Prince" who was allegedly frequently belittled and criticized by LaBeouf on set.

Josh Soskin

The director and screenwriter of "The Rooster Prince" who LaBeouf allegedly threatened to walk off set or quit the film entirely.

Erin Eirwin

A spectator at the honky tonk in Oklahoma where LaBeouf jumped into the live bull pen, nearly getting charged by the bull.

Austin Starks

Another spectator who witnessed LaBeouf jumping into the live bull pen at the honky tonk in Oklahoma.

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What’s next

LaBeouf is scheduled to star in another film, "God of the Rodeo", which is expected to film in Oklahoma in June and July. The local film scene is slightly on edge about his upcoming involvement.

The takeaway

Shia LaBeouf's erratic behavior on the set of "The Rooster Prince" and his recent arrest in New Orleans have raised serious concerns about the actor's mental health and ability to safely work on film productions. This incident highlights the challenges that productions can face when working with actors who may be struggling with personal issues.