Casey Affleck became the brunt of Brad Pitt’s practical jokes on the set of western The Assassination Of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – the movie hunk would tip cigar ash onto his co-star’s hat.

Pitt, who plays outlaw James in the film, set Affleck up for the movie’s most tense scenes by tapping burning ash onto the actor just before cameras rolled.

Affleck says, “Right before they say action, Brad will put ash on you or light your pants on fire or just slap you. That’s a good way to start the scene as far as he’s concerned. Brad’s a fun man. He’s really fun to work with.

“It’s strange how he can stay in character and do his thing, but also put ash in your hat right before they say action.”