Joaquin Phoenix's "Gladiator" doubts revealed by Ridley Scott revealed
Director Ridley Scott, in an interview with "The New York Times," confessed that Joaquin Phoenix had many doubts during the filming of "Gladiator," which drew criticism from Russell Crowe.
9:58 AM EST, November 8, 2024
The director of "Gladiator," Ridley Scott, in a recent interview with "The New York Times," shared previously unknown details from the legendary film's set. It turns out that Joaquin Phoenix, who played the menacing Commodus, had moments of doubt and wanted to leave the production.
"[Joaquin] was in his prince's outfit saying, 'I can't do it,'" Scott recalls. "I said, ‘What?’ And Russell said, ‘This is terribly unprofessional.'" Phoenix had doubts about his role, but Scott convinced him to stay on set, saying, "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." Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix created unforgettable performances in "Gladiator." Both actors were nominated for an Oscar, and Crowe won the award for Best Actor.
He stayed in "Gladiator" and left another project
The subject of Phoenix's doubts resurfaced in the context of his recent departure from Todd Haynes's film five days before filming was set to start. The actor's decision forced the director to suspend the project. During the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix promoted "Joker: Folie à Deux," and he was asked about this situation. The actor responded, "I think if I do I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creators aren’t here to say their piece. I don’t feel like that would be right. I’m not sure how that would be helpful. So, I don’t think I will."
Shortly after these events, James McAvoy revealed on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that he had only two weeks to prepare for his role in the film "Split." McAvoy was brought in at the last minute after Phoenix withdrew from the project just before filming began.
Gladiator
"Gladiator" was a blockbuster in 2000. The story of General Maximus (Russell Crowe), a commander in the Roman army who learns that the dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) wants to make him his successor on the throne, won the hearts of audiences worldwide. The emperor’s decision displeases the rightful heir, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who decides to eliminate his rival and sentences him to death along with his entire family. Maximus miraculously manages to escape. He is captured and trained as a gladiator.
The production won five Oscars, including Best Picture. Gladiator 2 will premiere in theaters on November 22nd.
