United Kingdom, March 1 -- Bill Murray has described Gene Hackman as "really difficult" but an undeniable talent.

The 'Ghostbusters' actor, 74, made the admissions while reflecting on their time working together on Wes Anderson's 'The Royal Tenenbaums', and also called the notoriously fiery Hollywood icon a "tough nut".

Bill was quoted by Page Six saying: "He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman, but he was really good.

"We can say it now, but he was a tough guy 'cause older great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They're really rough on 'em.

"And Gene was really rough on Wes. And I used to kind of step in there and just try to defend my friend."

Bill recalled one particularly tense moment on the set of the movie, adding:...