Introduction

In a recent interview with The New York Times, acclaimed director Ridley Scott opened up about a surprising behind-the-scenes moment during the making of the iconic film “Gladiator.” According to Scott, actor Joaquin Phoenix, who portrayed the treacherous Commodus, experienced a bout of anxiety on set that led him to declare, “I can’t do it.” This unexpected line left fellow actor Russell Crowe, who starred as the heroic Maximus, shaking his head in disbelief and reportedly calling Phoenix's behavior “terribly unprofessional.”

Scott's Perspective on the Incident

Scott recalled the situation vividly: “Joaquin was in his prince’s outfit saying, ‘I can’t do it.’ I said, ‘What?’ And Russell was right there saying, ‘This is terribly unprofessional.’” It was a fragile moment that could have ended in Phoenix exiting the film, but Scott stepped in as a mentor. He shared, “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.”

Phoenix's Recent Withdrawals

The conversation about Phoenix’s hesitance was further fueled when The New York Times referenced his recent withdrawal from another project directed by Todd Haynes, just five days before filming was set to begin. This abrupt exit left Haynes and his team scrambling to put the film — a gay romance — on hold indefinitely, raising questions about Phoenix's commitment to his projects.

Phoenix's Silence on the Matter

Adding another layer to the narrative, during the premiere of his much-anticipated film “Joker: Folie à Deux” at the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix was approached about his decision to withdraw from the Haynes movie. He opted to remain tight-lipped, stating, “If I do [comment], I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and so I don’t think that would be helpful.”

Impact on Other Productions

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Phoenix's last-minute departures have impacted other productions. Actor James McAvoy recently revealed on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he had only two weeks to prepare for his role in “Split” after stepping in for Phoenix, who had reportedly dropped out shortly before filming.

Conclusion

As the controversy around Phoenix continues to swirl, fans and insiders alike are left wondering how these decisions will shape his future collaborations. Ridley Scott's account of “Gladiator” serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by actors, and the unpredictable nature of filmmaking that sometimes leads even the most talented performers to reconsider their choices.