“Gladiator 2” director Ridley Scott has responded to Barry Keoghan’s departure from the film.
It's only a postponement. Barry Keoghan was set to play Emperor Caracalla in the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel alongside Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he had to step down in early 2023 before being replaced by Fred Hechinger, director Ridley Scott revealed.
“Barry was seduced by 'Saltburn'. I think this might be the best movie I've seen this year. Anyway, Barry is one of the good ones, just like Joaquin Phoenix and Paul [Mescal]”, he explained to the New York Times, referring to the thriller released last year which was nominated for two Golden Globes and five BAFTA awards. The filmmaker continued his praise, saying: “Barry is a very complex character and he has the situation under control. I know it's a challenge, but it's worth it, just like Joaquin.”
Calendar conflicts
Last May, pop star Sabrina Carpenter's companion expressed her disappointment over her departure from “Gladiator 2” in an interview with IndieWire. “Agenda conflicts. I'm a huge fan of 'Gladiator' and a huge fan of this casting. It's a shame we can't do both. But that’s what happens in this business. We can't do both (…) Plus, filming in two different countries makes things really difficult,” he explained.
“Gladiator 2,” due in theaters on November 13, follows Lucius Verus, played by Paul Mescal, the son of Lucilla and Maximus, forced into slavery. The film also stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Denzel Washington, Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen, who reprises his role.
Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott will collaborate again for a post-apocalyptic film entitled “The Dog Stars”, in which the actor will play a pilot in a world devastated by a pandemic.
