David Fincher might be the guy behind your favorite mind-bending thrillers, but on set, he’s got a bit of a reputation — think genius director meets control freak — with a habit of running scenes so many times you lose count (and maybe your sanity). That level of intensity might result in cinematic gold, but not every actor is signing up for round two. In fact, some have quietly (or not-so-quietly) vowed never to step on one of his sets again.

You’d think that an auteur with a Best Director Oscar nomination under his belt would have actors lining up at his door, and in most cases, that’s true. But Fincher’s “my way or 75 takes later” style has pushed even A-listers to their breaking point. We’re talking about stars who’ve headlined billion-dollar franchises, award winners, and indie darlings alike, each walking away with unforgettable performances… and unforgettable tension.