Director Ridley Scott Reveals Joaquin Phoenix Nearly Quit ‘Gladiator’ And How He Convinced Him To Stay

November 8, 2024: It sounds like Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is shaping up to be a highly anticipated sequel, especially with the return of key players like Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi.

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Ridley Scott’s experience with Gladiator was undoubtedly a turning point in his career, and it’s interesting to hear how he managed to keep Joaquin Phoenix on board, especially when the actor had his doubts early on. The film ended up becoming one of the most iconic epics in modern cinema, so it’s no surprise Scott took a personal approach to encourage Phoenix, even acting as a friend and mentor.

When asked how he persuaded Phoenix, the director replied, that he approached him as a friend not just the director.

“I can act as a big brother or dad. But I’m quite a friend of Joaquin’s,” he explained. “‘Gladiator’ was a baptism of fire for both of us in the beginning”.

With a powerhouse cast in Gladiator II, including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, it sounds like Ridley Scott is again assembling a strong ensemble. Denzel Washington’s involvement is particularly exciting, given his extensive experience and award-winning performances across a range of genres. His chemistry with the rest of the cast could bring a whole new layer to the epic saga.

The anticipation for Gladiator II is palpable, especially with its theatrical release coming up on November 22. Given the massive success of the first film, it will be interesting to see how Scott expands the story and what new challenges his characters will face.