In a recent interview with The New York Times, renowned director Ridley Scott delved into the behind-the-scenes drama of his 2000 epic, ‘Gladiator.’ He revealed a tense moment when Joaquin Phoenix, who was originally cast as the villain Commodus, abruptly exited the project. Scott recounted the incident, saying, “He just said, ‘I can’t do it,’ dressed as a prince. I said, ‘What do you mean?’ And Russell [Crowe] said, ‘It’s a terribly unprofessional thing to do.'”
Phoenix’s performance as Commodus, which ultimately went to the late Oliver Reed, garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite the past tension, Scott and Phoenix have since collaborated on the upcoming historical drama ‘Napoleon,’ set to release in 2023. “I can be a brother, a father, but I’m friends with Joaquin,” Scott reflected, noting that ‘Gladiator’ was a formative experience for both of them.
Scott also shed light on casting challenges for the anticipated ‘Gladiator’ sequel. He initially intended to cast Barry Keoghan as the villain, but scheduling conflicts with ‘Saltburn’ prevented him from doing so. Scott praised Keoghan, alongside Phoenix and ‘Gladiator’ sequel star Paul Mescal, for their exceptional talent. “Barry is a wonderful actor, in the same league as Joaquin Phoenix and Paul Mescal,” Scott remarked. He acknowledged the complexity of working with Keoghan but emphasized the inherent value in the collaboration. “He’s a very complicated guy but he’s got control. It’s probably difficult to work with him but it’s worth it. Just like it’s worth it with Joaquin.”
‘Gladiator’ is set to return to theaters with a sequel, and fans are eager to see what new challenges and stories will unfold in the world of ancient Rome. With Scott’s knack for historical storytelling and a talented cast, the sequel promises to be a captivating cinematic experience.
