Ridley Scott is a filmmaker you know will offer memorable quotes and in his latest interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote Gladiator II, Scott dove into a conversation about his peers, commenting on everyone from Clint Eastwood to Quentin Tarantino.
As Scott ages (currently 86), the conversation of slowing down or flat-out retiring always seems to spring up. Interviewer James Hibberd noted the legendary filmmaker’s increased output and asked, “So, is your attitude at this point is that you’ll stop directing when you’re dead?”
Scott notes, “When I go [makes croaking noise]. I mean, Clint [Eastwood] is 94.” That’s when Hibberd notes that Eastwood’s latest Juror #2 could be on his list, but Scott says, “Well, yeah, but he’s fucking 94! I’m 86 now, so I’ve still got a few to go.”
Eastwood is not one to premeditate his final film, unlike someone like Quentin Tarantino, who set a goal and wants to stick to it.
Hibberd asks, “What’s your take on Quentin Tarantino saying he’s going to retire after making his tenth movie?”
When Scott replies, “I don’t believe it,” the interview adds, “Same. If you love to do something, and you’re great at it, you might stop, and then you get sucked back in,” for which Scott delivers his signature sass.
The filmmaker retorts, “Exactly. I don’t fucking believe that bullshit. Shut up and go make another movie. Quentin wrote a few things for my brother. They got along great. I’m not sure I’ve met him.”
We have plenty of filmmakers who are ready to quit. Ridley Scott refuses to add himself to that list and already has another film, a Bee Gees biopic, in the works. Gladiator II will be a test for many if Scott can still do it like he used to.
“From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.”
Gladiator II is in cinemas on November 15th in the UK and November 22nd in North America.
