Ridley Scott Says Joaquin Phoenix Got Cold Feet on ‘Gladiator’ and Said ‘I Can’t Do It’; Then Russell Crowe Called It ‘Terribly Unprofessional’

As a seasoned moviegoer with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I can’t help but marvel at the intriguing dynamics that unfold behind the scenes. The tale of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix on the set of “Gladiator” is a fascinating snapshot of Hollywood history.


In a conversation reported by The New York Times (through Entertainment Weekly), Ridley Scott, director of “Gladiator”, shared that Russell Crowe expressed concerns about Joaquin Phoenix’s behavior on set, as Phoenix was hesitant and needed persuasion to continue with the film. Crowe played Maximus in “Gladiator”, while Phoenix portrayed the antagonist, Commodus. Both actors received Oscar nominations, with Crowe ultimately winning the best actor award.

As a film enthusiast, I remember Joaquin struggling in his regal attire, expressing he couldn’t proceed. I was taken aback, and Russell, with a hint of professionalism, gently reprimanded, ‘Really? This is quite unbecoming for a seasoned actor.’

When questioned about persuading Phoenix to remain in the movie, Scott replied by saying: “I can play the role of an older sibling or father figure. However, I’m actually quite close friends with Joaquin. ‘Gladiator’ was a sort of initiation for both of us at the start.

In their professional journeys, Phoenix and Scott would cross paths again for the 2022 historical drama “Napoleon.” However, discussions about Phoenix’s hesitation arose when The New York Times mentioned Phoenix’s abrupt departure from Todd Haynes’ upcoming gay romance film just five days before filming was scheduled to commence. This decision led Haynes and his crew to postpone the project indefinitely. It seems that Phoenix also had reservations about “Gladiator,” but Scott managed to persuade him to continue with the project.

During a recent interview at the Venice Film Festival for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Phoenix was questioned about his choice to withdraw from the Haynes film. He replied, “If I were to express my thoughts, it would merely be my viewpoint, and the other creatives aren’t present to voice theirs. Therefore, I don’t believe it would be beneficial.

Shortly following the events of the Phoenix-Haynes situation, James McAvoy disclosed on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he had approximately two weeks to ready himself for his various roles in “Split”, as he was brought on board at the last possible moment after it was said that Phoenix withdrew a couple of weeks before filming commenced.

EbMaster contacted the representatives of both Phoenix and Crowe, seeking their comments about the recent news surrounding Scott’s “Gladiator” production.

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2024-11-08 02:46