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Garner’s departure from Maverick was rooted in discontent with Warner Bros. During a writers' strike, he felt undervalued and mistreated, ultimately taking a dramatic stand by suing the studio for breach of contract. His successful lawsuit set the stage for a new era of autonomy in Hollywood, but it also left him disillusioned, leading him to walk away from the show entirely.
Following Maverick, Garner starred in The Great Escape, a film that would solidify his status in Hollywood. However, behind the camaraderie that characterized onscreen performances lay tense rivalries, notably with fellow actor Steve McQueen.