Phoenix's doubts on "Gladiator" set revealed by Ridley Scott
Director Ridley Scott, in an interview with "The New York Times," revealed that Joaquin Phoenix had many doubts during the filming of "Gladiator," which drew criticism from Russell Crowe.
Ridley Scott, the director of "Gladiator," shared previously unknown details from the set of the legendary film in a recent interview with "The New York Times." It turns out that Joaquin Phoenix, who played the sinister 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 persuaded 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 delivered unforgettable performances in "Gladiator." Both actors were nominated for an Oscar, with Crowe winning the award for Best Actor.
He stayed in "Gladiator," dropped another project
Phoenix's doubts resurfaced when he recently withdrew from Todd Haynes' film five days before the start of filming. The actor's decision forced the director to suspend the project. During the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix was promoting "Joker: Folie à Deux," and he was asked about the 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."
Soon 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 cast 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 does not sit well with the rightful heir, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who decides to eliminate his rival and sentences him and his family to death. Maximus miraculously escapes, only to be captured and trained as a gladiator.
The production won five Oscars, including Best Picture. "Gladiator 2" will premiere in cinemas on November 15th.
