Gladiator: Russell Crowe told Joaquin Phoenix he was being ‘unprofessional’, Ridley Scott reveals

Russell Crowe reportedly told his co-star Joaquin Phoenix he was being “unprofessional” on the set of Gladiator . Phoenix, 50, is renowned for his portrayal of the villainous Roman emperor Commodus in director Ridley Scott’s 2000 film, a role that garnered him Best Supporting Actor nominations at the 2001 Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTAs. But Phoenix wanted to give up at one point while filming, Scott has revealed almost 25 years after the film’s release - and was talked down by Crowe , who portrayed the main character Maximus.

“[Joaquin] was in his prince’s outfit saying, ‘I can’t do it’,” Scott, 86 - who is set to release Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal this month - told the New York Times ..