Joaquin Phoenix‘s breakout performance as the twisted Commodus in ‘Gladiator‘ almost never materialized. It might come off as a shock for his fans because of how well-acclaimed the role According to director Ridley Scott, Phoenix was set to walk out just before filming one of the biggest roles of his career.
In a recent interview with ‘The New York Times‘, Scott reported that Phoenix, dressed in full prince regalia, suffered a last-minute meltdown. Here’s what got him back on board.
What Stopped Joaquin Phoenix From Leaving ‘Gladiator’?
‘Gladiator‘ is one of the most significant films in Joaquin Phoenix’s career. The film would never have been the same without him, and it almost happened as revealed by the film’s director Ridley Scott.
“He was in his prince’s outfit saying, ‘I can’t do it,'” Scott remembered during a recent interview, surprised that the usually reliable actor was bailing. However, Russell Crowe, who played Maximus in the 2000 epic, came to the rescue. While Phoenix had decided he would leave, Crowe didn’t mince words, at one point reportedly telling Phoenix, “This is terribly unprofessional.”
Scott also explained how he was able to prevent Phoenix from walking off the set. “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,” he said.
That gentle prod kept Phoenix in the role, which garnered him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Joaquin Phoenix Is Not Starring In ‘Gladiator II’
The news that Joaquin Phoenix nearly left comes on the heels of more recent reports that he walked off the set of Todd Haynes’ untitled gay romance film this year, because of which the production was shelved. Although the actor does not appear in ‘Gladiator II‘, which is scheduled for release on November 22, he and Scott teamed up again last year for ‘Napoleon, in which Phoenix played the great French monarch.
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‘Gladiator II‘ continues with the action, with the focus back on Lucius, who watches as Maximus falls at the sword of Commodus. Lucius, now grown up, comes out in the Colosseum to fight for Rome’s honor. The long-awaited sequel will also feature Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucius’ mother, Lucilla.
While Commodus will never again walk the earth in the flesh of Phoenix for us, his performance in ‘Gladiator‘ ranks as one of his most memorable — all thanks to Scott and Crowe.
