The buzz around Gladiator II has been building for ages, but there’s one burning question on everyone’s lips: What happened to Barry Keoghan?
Back in March 2023, Deadline reported that Barry was in negotiations to play Emperor Geta in the Gladiator sequel. Cut to 2024 and Barry is clearly not in the movie which stars fellow Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal and legends Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
Thankfully, Ridley Scott, the director of the Gladiator series has finally spilled the tea on why we didn’t get to see our favourite frog boyfriend in a gladiator skirt.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ridley explained that “Barry got locked into Saltburn.”
But before you start thinking there’s any bad blood, let me tell you, Ridley was practically gushing over Barry’s performance in the dark comedy, like he was fully obsessed.
He even went as far as to say, “I think that’s maybe the best film I’ve seen this year.” High praise from the man who brought us Alien and Blade Runner.
Ridley didn’t stop there — he compared Barry to none other than Joaquin Phoenix who appeared in the original Gladiator film as Commodus.
“Barry is one of the good ones, the same level as Joaquin Phoenix and Paul [Mescal].” See, OBSESSED!
Ridley also pointed to Barry’s possible reputation for being a bit of a challenge on set, but seemingly in the most flattering way possible. “I know he’s a bit of a challenge, but he’s worth it. Like deciding on Joaquin, it’s worth it,” he said. I’m gonna look at that as a compliment. i hope.
So there you have it, folks. Barry Keoghan may have missed out on battling it out with Paul Mescal and Fred Hechinger in the gladiatorial arena, but it seems like he’s won the admiration of one of Hollywood’s biggest directors.
TBH I’m not mad at Barry turning down the role, firstly we got to have *that* Saltburn dance scene and secondly I think seeing him and Paul Mescal on screen at the same time would have actually made my mind explode.
Gladiator II opens in cinemas November 14. Tickets on sale now.
Lead image: Gladiator II/ Getty Images
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