Did Minnie Driver and Emmy Rossum Feud on ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Set?
When a celebrity feud breaks out, all parties involved become the subject of media attention. But often, the people in question refuse to reveal names, so the rumors don’t go too far. Still, an encounter from the set of The Phantom of the Opera shared by actor Minnie Driver in 2020 has prompted Twitter users to speculate on her co-star Emmy Rossum’s involvement.
Minnie Driver and Emmy Rossum starred in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
The Phantom of the Opera is arguably Rossum’s breakout leading role. She portrays Christine Daaé, a burgeoning opera singer who connects with the theater’s “ghost” — actually a masked man named Erik. He coaches Christine so she can replace Carlotta Giudicelli, played by Driver.
The movie musical received mixed reviews but performed well at the box office. The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for three Academy Awards though it did not receive any. Additionally, it received three nominations at the Golden Globes, including Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Rossum.
Driver tweeted about another woman who called her ‘over the top’
When Phantom of the Opera director Joel Schumacher passed away in June 2020, Driver memorialized him with a story. Calling him “the funniest, chicest, most hilarious director I ever worked with,” the actor explained that “once, on set, an actress was complaining about me within earshot; how I was dreadfully over the top (I was).”
Driver continued, “Joel barely looked up from his NYT [and] said “Oh Honey, no one ever paid to see under the top.” While many were delighted to hear Schumacher’s comment and praised her performance, others quickly dove into the gossip, attempting to determine who called Driver over the top.
When one Twitter user suggested that it might be Miranda Richardson, who portrayed Madame Giry in the film, Driver replied, “Definitely not Miranda.” Another Twitter user made a suggestion, to which the actor replied, “Nope. She was lovely.” However, the tweet has since been deleted.
Twitter users pointed to a video of Driver and Rossum disagreeing
In 2017, more than a decade after working together, Driver and Rossum were part of the same The Hollywood Reporter roundtable discussion featuring stars of popular comedy TV series. While the two conversed with one another as well as the other women present, one particular moment stands out.
In the clip above, Driver is speaking about the difference between acting in comedy versus drama. “Comedy goes deeper,” said Driver, as Pamela Adlon agrees with her. “I think they’re all the same,” replied Rossum. “I think it’s just finding the truth in any moment.” Driver, looking surprised, makes a “hmm” sound.
“No one can ever tell me these things are unrelated,” replied another Twitter user, sharing a screenshot of Driver’s tweet about Schumacher as well as others showing that Driver and Rossum were in Phantom of the Opera together. This may be yet another Hollywood “feud” that is never officially confirmed.
