Acclaimed director Ridley Scott has revealed that he faced a significant challenge in convincing Joaquin Phoenix to remain part of the cast for the original Gladiator film after the talented actor, known for his role in Joker, expressed intentions to quit. Scott’s persuasive efforts were crucial in retaining Phoenix’s performance as the morally ambiguous Roman emperor, Commodus, a role that garnered the actor an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In a candid discussion with The New York Times, Scott recounted the moment of tension, stating: “[Joaquin] was in his prince’s outfit saying, ‘I can’t do it.’ I said, ‘What?’ And Russell [Crowe] chimed in, ‘This is terribly unprofessional.'” This insight highlights the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during the production, showcasing both the pressures of filmmaking and the dynamics between the cast and crew.
The 86-year-old visionary director credited his close relationship with Phoenix as a crucial factor in persuading the actor to stay on board. “I can act as a big brother or dad. But I’m quite a friend of Joaquin’s. Gladiator was a baptism of fire for both of us in the beginning,” Scott reflected, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defined their partnership. Their bond has only strengthened over the years, having recently joined forces on the historical epic Napoleon, where Phoenix portrayed the mercurial French general.
The highly anticipated Gladiator II takes audiences on a journey set 20 years after the original film, which achieved critical acclaim and won four Oscars. This sequel introduces rising star Paul Mescal, who makes his big studio debut in the role of Roman warrior Lucius Verus, a character who is revealed to be the secret son of Maximus, played by Crowe in the first film. This narrative twist adds depth to the continuation of the Gladiator saga, intertwining past and present in a captivating way.
While Gladiator II boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Sir Derek Jacobi, it notably does not feature Russell Crowe, despite his iconic portrayal of Maximus, which earned him an Oscar in 2000. Scott disclosed that although there had been deliberations about the possibility of resurrecting Crowe’s beloved character for the sequel, the plans ultimately fell through.
Crowe shared his sentiments during a recent interview with Sky News, stating, “I feel old. That’s how I feel about it… That period of my life, you know, was a huge change. Everything just went kind of crazy for a while.” Reflecting on his experience, he admitted, “I do have extremely fond memories of [Gladiator]. And, to be completely honest, there’s a tinge of jealousy because I certainly wish I was back at being, you know, 35, 36, in a certain way, so I could have that kind of experience again.”
In an interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit, Scott also unveiled that Barry Keoghan was initially slated to play a villain in the sequel; however, a scheduling conflict with the filming of Saltburn ultimately prevented him from taking on the role. As anticipation builds, Gladiator II is set to premiere in UK cinemas on Friday, 15 November, promising to be a spectacular addition to the legendary franchise.
**Interview with Ridley Scott on Joaquin Phoenix’s Role in Gladiator**
**Interviewer**: Ridley, thank you for joining us today. Your experience directing *Gladiator* has become legendary, especially with the behind-the-scenes stories that emerged. Can you share what it was like dealing with Joaquin Phoenix when he expressed his desire to drop out of the film?
**Ridley Scott**: Absolutely, it’s a moment I vividly remember. Here we were, in the middle of filming, and Joaquin, dressed in his prince’s outfit, just turned to me and said, “I can’t do it.” I was taken aback, to say the least! That’s when Russell Crowe jumped in and reminded him how unprofessional that would be.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like there was a lot of pressure in that moment. What do you think made Joaquin reconsider?
**Ridley Scott**: Our relationship played a huge role. I consider myself somewhat of a mentor or a big brother to him. We were both navigating uncharted waters at the time. My idea was to remind him of his talent and commitment to the character. I told him, “You have to push through this.” Thankfully, he did.
**Interviewer**: So, the bond developed during *Gladiator* helped in retaining him for the role of Commodus. How has that relationship evolved over the years?
**Ridley Scott**: It’s grown deeper. Now we’ve just finished working together on *Napoleon*. There’s a trust and understanding between us that makes collaboration smoother. We both have learned and matured from our experiences, and that chemistry really shines through in our projects.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of your projects, the buzz around *Gladiator II* is incredible. How do you feel about revisiting the world you created two decades ago?
**Ridley Scott**: Exciting and daunting, to be honest. *Gladiator II* is set 20 years later, which allows us to explore new characters and themes while honoring the legacy of the original. I think audiences are going to be thrilled with where we take the story next.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like your journey with Joaquin and the *Gladiator* saga is far from over. Thank you for sharing your insights, Ridley!
**Ridley Scott**: My pleasure! It’s always great to reflect on those special moments in filmmaking.
