Today’s celeb feuds pale in comparison to Hilary Duff and Faye Dunaway.

In an era where celebrity beefs often play out on TikTok or through cryptic Instagram posts, the feud between Hilary Duff and Faye Dunaway is as unexpected as it is deliciously dramatic. 

Celebrity feuds these days are often publicised on social media and made up of behind-the-scenes whispers from unknown sources, but the tension between Hilary Duff and Faye Dunaway feels like a true, old-school Hollywood rivalry. The drama between these two actresses — which I'll admit, was very short-lived — stands the test of time as one of the most blatant displays of celeb beef. 

From interview swipes to outright insults, this iconic feud still occupies space in my mind, absolutely rent-free.

Here's how it all went down. 

Watch the trailer for 1967's Bonnie and Clyde. Article continues after video.

Hilary Duff is cast in a Bonnie and Clyde adaptation. 

In 2009, Duff was cast to play the iconic role of Bonnie Parker in an adaptation of Bonnie and Clyde entitled The Story of Bonnie and Clyde. For Duff, it was a major career move, signalling her transition from teen star to more mature roles. She had already made her mark as the iconic Lizzie McGuire, and this was an opportunity to show her range as an actress in a high-profile project.

Hilary Duff was cast in the iconic role of Bonnie Parker. Image: Getty

But there was one major complication: the character of Bonnie Parker had already been immortalised by none other than Faye Dunaway in the legendary 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. Dunaway's portrayal of the criminal femme fatale alongside Warren Beatty was an iconic moment in Hollywood history, and she's long been associated with that role.

And Dunaway did not take kindly to the idea of a younger actress playing Bonnie — especially Duff, it seems.

Faye Dunaway's reaction to the adaptation. 

Here's where things started to go downhill for the two actresses. 

In an interview, Dunaway did not mince words when it came to her thoughts on Duff being cast in her iconic role. Not only did she not understand why the film was being remade in the first place, she also made it clear what she thought of Duff's acting abilities. 

Faye Dunaway famously starred as Bonnie in 1967's 'Bonnie and Clyde'. Image: Getty

"Couldn't they at least have cast a real actress?" Dunaway allegedly said. 

Yikes.

As we know, word spreads quickly around Hollywood, so there was no way Duff could avoid being asked about Dunaway's spiky comments. And she, too, was not happy.

Hilary Duff's spicy clapback. 

When asked about Dunaway's harsh comments during an interview with E's Daily 10, Duff delivered maybe one of the most overt and rogue comebacks I have seen between two actors in recent years. 

"I think that my fans that are going to go see the movie don't even know who she is," Duff said. 

"I think it was a little unnecessary but I might be mad if I looked like that now too," she laughed. 

You heard that. She essentially called Dunaway both old and ugly.

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While Dunaway never publicly responded to Duff's comments, it's safe to assume she heard about them through the Hollywood grapevine. 

Speaking to Bonnie on The Bonnie Hunt Show, Duff admitted that she was disappointed by Dunaway's comments about her, and acknowledged that she herself played a part in fuelling the fire. 

"I kind of did too, so I'm guilty," she admitted. 

"She started acting way later than I did, so I think I have time to grow — and grow with each project. I am learning and work hard at my craft," Hilary went on to explain. 

"It's not okay for people to take stabs at you and to say mean things for no reason." 

Sadly for Duff, she was later dropped from The Story of Bonnie and Clyde (the reason why still remains unclear) and the project was never made.

And while we'll likely never get to see the Hilary Duff remake of the classic film, we'll always have her juicy 2009 beef to look back on.

Feature image: Getty.