Shia LaBeouf horrible experience filming Holes has resurfaced after the actor opened up about one of his earliest Hollywood roles — and it wasn’t as fun as fans might have imagined. During a recent fan Q&A at Steel City Comic-Con in Pennsylvania, LaBeouf didn’t mince words about what it was like working on the 2003 Disney movie Holes — a beloved adaptation of Louis Sachar’s hit novel that many remember fondly.
Despite the movie’s enduring popularity, LaBeouf says the process of making it was gruelling, intense, and at times downright “horrible.” He reflected on the physical strain of filming in extreme heat, clashes between adults on set, and the awkward position of navigating his first major movie while still largely known from TV.
What Shia LaBeouf Said About Filming Holes
LaBeouf, who was only 16 at the time and fresh off Disney Channel fame from Even Stevens, told the crowd that Holes wouldn’t get made under today’s production standards — largely because of how tough the shoot was.
He explained that shooting in the California desert near Ridgecrest meant actors spent long days digging holes in blistering conditions. On some occasions, temperatures inside the set trenches reached as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit, forcing production to limit time in the holes to short five-minute increments to comply with safety standards.
His blunt assessment? “No, Holes was horrible.” — a quote that’s been shared widely on social media since the event.
Extreme Heat and Gruelling Conditions
While Holes remains a cult Disney favourite, LaBeouf’s memories include the harsh reality of filming under extreme environmental conditions. He recounted that screen actors could only stay in the trenches for a few minutes at a time before being pulled out for their safety.
Beyond the heat itself, the filming environment caused unexpected incidents — including a bizarre moment where a refrigeration unit overheated and exploded, blasting another young actor, Jake M. Smith, out of his trailer due to the pressure buildup.
On-Set Tension With Jon Voight
Another eye-opening piece of LaBeouf’s story concerned legendary actor Jon Voight, who played the intimidating Mr. Sir. LaBeouf described Voight as someone who stayed “in character” even between takes — chewing sunflower seeds and maintaining a tough persona that unsettled the young cast.
LaBeouf also revealed that his own father accompanied him on set, and the two eventually clashed with Voight over on-set behaviour. What followed was a confrontation that LaBeouf says ultimately helped shape his family dynamic, even if it was awkward at the time.
He joked that the whole shoot was intense enough that he doubts a modern streaming company like Netflix or Disney+ could get away with it today.
Cast Reactions and Other Perspectives
After video of LaBeouf’s Q&A was shared online, Holes co-star Khleo Thomas — who played Zero — echoed the sentiment by commenting “all facts” on a social media repost of the clip, suggesting that LaBeouf’s memories resonated with his own experiences.
It’s worth noting that while LaBeouf described the working conditions as difficult, many other cast members have remembered Holes with more fondness, and it remains a beloved movie for many who grew up watching it on Disney and streaming platforms.
Reflecting on a Difficult Debut
For LaBeouf, Holes marked more than just another role — it was his first major theatrical film, transitioning him from Disney Channel regular to serious movie actor. Although the experience was challenging, the film helped launch a career that went on to include hits like Transformers, Disturbia, and more recently Megalopolis.
Still, his candid comments provide a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it was really like on set of a movie many remember fondly — showing that even family-friendly films can involve intense work, long days, and unforgettable moments that don’t always make the final cut.
