Joaquin Phoenix nearly walked away from his iconic role as Commodus in Gladiator, director Ridley Scott recently revealed. During an interview with The New York Times, Scott recalled Phoenix expressing doubts about his role right before filming. Dressed in his costume, Phoenix reportedly told Scott, “I can’t do it,” prompting co-star Russell Crowe to call his hesitation “terribly unprofessional.”
Scott, 86, ultimately convinced Phoenix, 50, to stay by approaching him as a friend rather than a director. “I can act as a big brother or dad. But I’m quite a friend of Joaquin’s,” Scott said, describing Gladiator as a transformative experience for both. The film went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
As anticipation builds for Gladiator II, Paul Mescal is set to lead, with co-stars Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. Barry Keoghan, initially cast as a villain, had to exit the sequel for a conflicting role in Saltburn. Scott praised Keoghan’s talent, comparing him to Phoenix and Mescal, noting the “complexity” he brings to his roles.
Phoenix’s history with last-minute exits has made headlines; earlier this year, he dropped out of a Todd Haynes film just days before filming. His departure left the production in crisis, with sets already built and contracts hinging on his participation. Addressing the incident at the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix declined to elaborate, noting it would be “unfair” without the other filmmakers’ input.
