The Safdie brothers are currently making major waves for their high-profile creative split and their separate awards-season projects they launched in late 2025 and early 2026. Josh and Benny Safdie were a highly celebrated filmmaking duo, known for their frenetic, high-tension style. Their most acclaimed collaborations include Uncut Gems, Good Time, Heaven Knows What, and Dacdy Longlegs. As the brothers’ split is revisited, the name Buddy Duress has come up. Here’s everything you need to know about him and his connection to the Safdie brothers’ rift.
Who was Buddy Duress?
Buddy Duress (born Michael Constantine Stathis), was an American actor known for his raw and authentic performances in the Safdie brothers’ films like Good Time and Heaven Knows What. Buddy was discovered while he was a fugitive from a dr*g inpatient program. He met director Josh Safdie through a mutual friend, which led to his breakout role in the 2014 film, Heaven Knows What. Buddy is best remembered for his role as ‘Ray’ in the 2017 thriller, Good Time, starring opposite Robert Pattinson. The film was partly inspired by his own prison journals.
Regarding Buddy Duress’ personal life, he was initially raised in New Jersey by his father following his parents’ divorce. At that time, he reportedly suffered physical abuse before moving back to Queens to live with his mother as a teenager. The family situation led Buddy to grow up as a troubled individual, with long-term struggles with dr*g addiction and legal issues. His brother, Christopher, noted that while Buddy could become belligerent or violent when intoxicated, he never gave up on his desire to achieve a professional comeback. Buddy died in November 2023 at the age of 38 due to cardiac arrest caused by a dr*g cocktail.
Was Buddy Duress the reason for the Safdie brothers’ split?
The Safdie brothers initially cited a “natural progression” toward solo interests as the reason for their split. However, recent investigative reports from January 2026 indicate that a disturbing 2017 incident involving late actor, Buddy Duress was the actual catalyst for their end of professional collaboration. During the filming of Good Time, Buddy Duress was cast in a scene involving n*dity and simulated intimacy with a 17-year-old actress. Reports claim that Buddy, who was allegedly under the influence at the time, exposed himself and made highly inappropriate s**ual remarks to the minor while cameras were rolling.
According to Page Six, Josh Safdie directed the scene and allegedly allowed it to continue despite Buddy Duress’s behaviour. Benny Safdie, who was acting as the boom operator, reportedly only learned about the incident and the actress’ minor status years later. Benny allegedly discovered the true nature of the event in 2023 following a Variety report about former producer, Sebastian Bear-McClard. This revelation is cited by insiders as the definitive reason Benny severed ties with Josh. Notably, the explicit scene was not included in the final cut of Good Time.
More about the Safdie brothers and their latest projects
The Safdie brothers, Josh (born 1984) and Benny (born 1986), are acclaimed American independent filmmakers known for their high-octane crime thrillers set in New York City. The brothers gained international recognition for their gritty storytelling that often blurs the line between fiction and reality. Their breakout hits include Good Time (2017), starring Robert Pattinson, and Uncut Gems (2019), starring Adam Sandler. A unique aspect of their movies is the casting of non-professional actors alongside major stars to enhance authenticity.
Josh and Benny’s professional collaboration ended in 2023, and the brothers are now rivals in the 2026 awards cycle with two distinct solo projects. Josh Safdie directed the 2025 sports biopic, Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, which generated massive critical acclaim. It recently received nine Oscar nominations, including for Best Director. Benny Safdie directed The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, for which he won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival. While it received significant pre-release hype, it ultimately landed fewer nominations than Josh’s film.
What are your thoughts on the reason for the split of the Safdie brothers? Let us know.
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