‘Too Far Off the Mark’: Ridley Scott Reveals How Gladiator 2 Almost Made Joker 2’s Big Mistake

Ridley Scott learned from Joker 2's mistakes, he admits Gladiator 2 almost went in the same direction

Ridley Scott shared some of the lessons he learned from the recent failures of big-budget movies such as Joker 2 and Thor: Love and Thunder. The veteran director admitted that the sequel to his 2000 epic Gladiator almost went in the same direction as those films by focusing too much on spectacle over substance.

Scott revealed that an early draft of the Gladiator 2 script featured a massive battle sequence that would have been even more elaborate than the one in the original film. However, the director ultimately decided to scrap the scene, realizing that it would have taken away from the film's emotional core.

Scott wants to keep the focus on the characters in Gladiator 2, not spectacle

"I think we can get too caught up in the spectacle of these big-budget movies," Scott said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "Sometimes, it's more important to focus on the characters and the story. That's what I'm trying to do with Gladiator 2."

Scott's comments echo those of other filmmakers who have recently spoken out against the trend of big-budget movies that prioritize spectacle over substance. In the wake of the critical and commercial failures of films such as Joker 2 and Thor: Love and Thunder, some directors have argued that Hollywood needs to get back to basics and focus on telling stories that connect with audiences on a human level.

'Gladiator 2' will be a more intimate film than the original

Scott's decision to focus on the characters and the story in Gladiator 2 is a welcome one. The original film was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best historical epics ever made. However, the film's sequel has been in development for over a decade, and there have been concerns that it would not live up to the high expectations of fans.

With Scott at the helm, however, Gladiator 2 is in good hands. The director has a proven track record of making successful films, and he is sure to bring his trademark intensity and passion to the project. Gladiator 2 is set to be released in 2024.