Director Ridley Scott recently shared some intriguing behind-the-scenes moments from the iconic film 'Gladiator' and its upcoming sequel 'Gladiator II.'
In a surprising revelation, Scott disclosed that Joaquin Phoenix, who portrayed the villainous Commodus in 'Gladiator,' almost refused to play the role. Phoenix's initial reluctance led to a tense moment on set, with Russell Crowe expressing his disapproval of the unprofessional behavior.
Scott explained that he had to step in and convince Phoenix to stay, acting as a mentor and friend to the actor. Despite the rocky start, 'Gladiator' proved to be a transformative experience for both Scott and Phoenix.
The director also discussed the casting challenges faced during the production of 'Gladiator II.' Barry Keoghan was initially cast as a villain in the sequel but ultimately dropped out, leading to comparisons between Keoghan and Phoenix. Scott praised Keoghan's talent and complexity, likening him to Phoenix in terms of acting prowess.
'Gladiator II' is set to star Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen's character Lucilla from the original film. The sequel will explore Lucius' quest for vengeance against Commodus, played by Phoenix, who is also Lucius' uncle.
Reflecting on his own experience with 'Gladiator,' Russell Crowe admitted that he nearly quit the film due to concerns about the script. Crowe found the initial script to be lacking and was apprehensive about how audiences would receive the film's historical elements.
Despite his initial reservations, Crowe acknowledged the profound impact that 'Gladiator' had on his career and expressed a sense of nostalgia for the transformative experience. He admitted to feeling slightly envious of the new film and its potential to captivate audiences.
Overall, the revelations from Ridley Scott shed light on the challenges and triumphs behind the making of 'Gladiator' and its highly anticipated sequel, 'Gladiator II.'
