Ridley Scott recently opened up about a surprising behind-the-scenes moment from the filming of the 2000 historical epic, “Gladiator.” According to Scott, acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix, who portrayed the contentious Emperor Commodus, nearly abandoned the film mid-production. Phoenix’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while the movie itself took home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Russell Crowe.
Scott recounted Phoenix’s dramatic moment of doubt while on set, fully clad in his period costume. The actor reportedly announced, “I can’t do it,” a declaration that caught the production team off guard. Scott was puzzled, and Crowe, his co-star playing the lead role of Maximus, reportedly reacted by criticizing the situation as “terribly unprofessional.” Despite this turbulence, Scott managed to keep Phoenix committed to the film—a feat he attributed to their close friendship. As Scott put it, despite “Gladiator” being a “baptism of fire” for both, his personal rapport with Phoenix played a vital role in steering the situation.
While the filmmaking industry is no stranger to on-set complications, Phoenix’s sudden change of heart highlights an interesting pattern in his professional behavior. Just this year, Phoenix withdrew from a Todd Haynes project merely five days before shooting was set to begin, causing chaos for the production team. This unpredictability has agitated some within the industry, although Phoenix remains a beloved figure known for his compelling roles.
Despite his reputation for being mercurial, Phoenix’s acting prowess continues to shine. He received widespread acclaim for his transformative performance in “Joker,” which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. However, recent developments suggest his standing in Hollywood might be at risk. The mixed reviews for his forthcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux,” combined with mounting critiques about his reliability, could potentially affect his prospects in future award seasons.
Gladiator remains a landmark film, chronicling the tale of Roman general Maximus, played by Crowe, who seeks vengeance against Phoenix’s Commodus after being betrayed and enslaved. Set in ancient Rome, the epic’s narrative is a gripping blend of survival and revenge, which resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.
Closing Credits
The world of “Gladiator” is set to expand with the anticipated release of its sequel. However, neither Crowe nor Phoenix are returning, leaving fans curious as to how the story will evolve without these iconic characters. The film industry will be watching closely to see how Phoenix’s career unfolds amid his erratic commitment issues, a factor that could ultimately shape the landscape of his future roles and accolades.
