Ridley Scott, the legendary director known for his iconic contributions to cinema, is feeling triumphant as he receives acclaim for his much-anticipated sequel, *Gladiator II*. With a sly smile, he acknowledges the buzz surrounding the film, appreciating the enthusiasm without getting too cocky.

At 87, Scott is defying expectations. His remarkable career began with *The Duelists* in 1977, and he has stayed active in the industry for an astounding 47 years. In recent years, he has released a trio of historical epics: *The Last Duel* (2021), *Napoleon* (2023), and now *Gladiator II*, all of which have reignited interest in his work, and heightening Oscar speculation. Additionally, through his production company, Scott Free, he’s spearheading numerous other projects, including this summer’s surprise hit, *Alien: Romulus*, and the upcoming *Blade Runner 2099* series.

Reflecting on his late entry into Hollywood, Scott remarks, “I came into the scene at 40 years old. Spielberg was a teenager! All I had was a solid portfolio of television commercials.” It’s humbling to hear the director, who has orchestrated masterpieces like *Blade Runner* and *The Martian*, downplay his own achievements in comparison to his younger peers.

During an interview in West Hollywood, Scott appears relaxed in a black sweatshirt and sweatpants, offset by the vibrant orange of his Breitling watch, aptly named “Professional Endurance”—a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication to filmmaking. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother, director Tony Scott, Scott's passion for both film and painting remains his driving force.

Is he bothered by the surprise over his continued productivity? “Not at all,” he insists. “Directing is my passion; it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve battled through injuries from tennis, including knee issues, but I’m determined to stay active on set.”

The director expresses a complicated relationship with accolades, feeling the pressure from critics like Pauline Kael, whose scathing reviews once stung him deeply. He highlights, “Your most valuable critic is you, and I never look at reviews anymore.” Scott prefers to let his work speak for itself rather than chase awards. “My reward is in the freedom to keep making films.”

As fans seek to understand his filmography, questions arise about his cinematic peers. He regards Quentin Tarantino’s declaration of retirement with skepticism: “I don’t believe it. If you have a passion, you’re never really done.” His thoughts on other filmmakers hint at a network of admiration rather than competition, emphasizing how each director’s vision is uniquely their own.

Scott reflects on his earlier works and his impulse to revisit stories from the past. Looking ahead, he’s excited about the variety of projects looming: “Next up is a Bee Gees biopic. It’s going to be a new venture!”

With exciting developments such as *Gladiator II* on the way and a multitude of upcoming TV adaptations, Scott shows no signs of slowing down. “For me, it’s all about keeping the stories alive, no matter the platform,” he states ardently.

As we conclude our conversation, Scott’s passion for cinema shines through. “Every project brings another opportunity, and I’m far from finished. I’ve got plenty more stories to tell—and trust me, I plan to keep making movies until it’s time to shut down indefinitely.”

Ridley Scott remains an indomitable force in Hollywood, proving with every film that great storytelling knows no age limits.