Russell Crowe blasted Joaquin Phoenix for acting in a “unprofessional” manner on the Gladiator set.

Joaquin Phoenix was reportedly reprimanded by Russell Crowe for acting in a “unprofessional” manner on the set of the historical epic Gladiator.

In the 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott, Crowe and Phoenix played the opposing parts of the antagonist Roman emperor Commodus and the hero Maximus, respectively.

Joaquin Phoenix was reportedly reprimanded by Russell Crowe for acting in a “unprofessional” manner on the set of the historical epic Gladiator.

In the 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott, Crowe and Phoenix played the opposing parts of the antagonist Roman emperor Commodus and the hero Maximus, respectively.

The story was made public by Ridley Scott before to his Gladiator sequel.
In an interview with The New York Times to promote the upcoming Gladiator II sequel, which also stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, Scott disclosed that Phoenix had changed his mind about the character after putting on the costume.

“I can’t do it,” he said while wearing his prince’s attire. “‘What?'” I said,” Scott remembered.

Fortunately, Scott was able to persuade the actor to reprise the part by saying, “I can play a parent or a big brother. However, Joaquin is a good buddy of mine.

“Gladiator was a baptism of fire for both of us in the beginning.”

But Crowe was left feeling sour by this behavior; Scott recalled the Les Misérables actor telling Phoenix, “This is terribly unprofessional.”

According to reports, Phoenix had changed his mind about the costume.
Scott later collaborated with the actor on the 2023 historical epic, but Crowe and Phoenix have not yet collaborated on another film. Napoleon, but he didn’t say whether Phoenix had changed his mind on that movie either.

As you may recall, Phoenix left an untitled homosexual romance picture from the 1930s that was directed by Todd Haynes only days before production was set to start. The movie was eventually abandoned.

Phoenix said, “It would just be sharing my opinion and the other creatives aren’t here to share their piece,” in response to a question about why he decided to quit the role at the Venice Film Festival.

“I don’t think that would be appropriate. I simply don’t think I will since I don’t think that would be helpful. Thank you.

James McAvoy, meanwhile, disclosed that he was unexpectedly chosen to play Phoenix in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2016 movie Split.

 

 

 

 

 

Joaquin Phoenix’s reps have been contacted by LADbible Group for comment.