Christy Carlson Romano Says Shia LaBeouf Trash-Talked 'Lizzie McGuire' and 'Beefed' with Hilary Duff on 'Even Stevens' Set

Variety · 2026-10-24
Christy Carlson Romano Says Shia LaBeouf Trash-Talked 'Lizzie McGuire' and 'Beefed' with Hilary Duff on 'Even Stevens' Set

Christy Carlson Romano, known for her breakout role on Disney Channel's 'Even Stevens,' recently disclosed that her co-star Shia LaBeouf had a competitive edge against the rival show 'Lizzie McGuire' and its star Hilary Duff. During an interview, Romano revealed that LaBeouf would often trash-talk 'Lizzie McGuire' while filming, driven by a desire for 'Even Stevens' to be the top show on the network. She noted that LaBeouf was 'definitely beefing' with Duff, although Duff herself was likely unaware of the rivalry. The revelation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the competitive atmosphere among young Disney Channel stars in the early 2000s, a period when both shows were major hits for the network. Romano's comments highlight the pressures and rivalries that existed even among teen actors, and how those dynamics played out off-camera. Fans of both series may be surprised by the intensity of LaBeouf's competitive drive, which Romano frames as part of his ambitious personality at the time. The story adds a new layer to the legacy of these beloved childhood shows, suggesting that the competition for ratings and popularity extended beyond the screen. As Romano continues to share memories from her Disney days, more untold stories from that era may emerge.