Movies

Ridley Scott responds to Barry Keoghan’s Gladiator 2 exit

BBG News

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for historical epics and a soft spot for well-crafted narratives, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment over Barry Keoghan’s departure from “Gladiator 2.” Having seen him deliver captivating performances in films like “Dunkirk” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” I was eager to witness his portrayal of Caracalla.

Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott has responded to Barry Keoghan’s exit from the film.

The upcoming second part, set to hit UK theaters next week, chronicles the life of Lucius Verus, played by Paul Mescal, who is compelled to servitude due to circumstances, being the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Maximus (Russell Crowe).

Initially, it was announced that Keoghan would feature in the blockbuster movie, but unfortunately, he had to withdraw because of scheduling issues. In the end, Fred Hechinger took on the role of co-emperor Caracalla instead of him.

In a conversation with The New York Times, Scott shared that Keoghan wasn’t able to participate in the historic film because he had been engrossed in working on last year’s Saltburn project – a production that earned nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and five British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).

Ridley Scott responds to Barry Keoghan's Gladiator 2 exit

Barry found himself in Saltburn, a place he was trapped in, he mentioned. And he went on to say that it might just be the best film he’s watched this entire year. To sum up, Barry is among the elite actors, comparable to Joaquin Phoenix and Paul [Mescal].

“Barry is so complex and actually has it under control. I know he’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth it. Like deciding on Joaquin, it’s worth it.”

During an interview with IndieWire earlier this year, Keoghan also opened up about his exit from the film, saying that it was a “shame” he couldn’t be part of the cast.

Clashes in schedules, unfortunately. I’m quite enamored with the film ‘Gladiator’ and its talented cast. Wishing I could participate in both, but it’s just not feasible within the constraints of this activity,” he clarified.

Ridley Scott responds to Barry Keoghan's Gladiator 2 exit

In “Gladiator 2”, we find ourselves leaping ahead through time, where the character Lucius has grown older and finds himself distanced from his mother.

The movie opens by showing the main character enjoying life with his family in Numidia. However, a significant shift occurs as the Romans progress further into North Africa.

Besides Mescal, Hechinger, and the returning talent Nielsen, the movie additionally showcases Pedro Pascal from “The Last of Us,” Joseph Quinn known for his role in “Stranger Things,” along with Denzel Washington and Derek Jacobi as well.

In collaboration once more, Mescal and Scott are set to star in a fresh post-apocalyptic movie entitled “The Dog Stars“. This story unfolds in a desolate world scarred by a pandemic, where mankind is on the brink of extinction, following the journey of a pilot.

Gladiator 2 will be released in UK cinemas on November 15 and in US cinemas on November 22.

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2024-11-09 23:48

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