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Barry Keoghan’s decision to leave Gladiator II for the lead role in Saltburn made people wonder about work choices. An early 2023 schedule problem put Keoghan and Saltburn in conflict.
Keoghan was supposed to play a major bad guy in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel, but Saltburn had to cancel it.
Later, Scott said nice things about the actor’s skill and dedication, saying that his level of difficulty and skill is on par with that of famous actors like Joaquin Phoenix.
Keep reading to know more about the story!
Barry Keoghan’s Exit fromGladiator IIand Its Impact
The famous Irish actor Barry Keoghan was first cast as a major bad guy in Ridley Scott’s highly awaited sequel,Gladiator II.
But things went in a strange direction when Keoghan had to quit the project in early 2023 because he had to work on anothermovie.
The famous 86-year-old director of the first Gladiator movie and its follow-up, Ridley Scott, toldThe New York Timesthat Keoghan had already committed to the dark comedy Saltburn, which was directed by Emerald Fennell, and that it would be filming at the same time as Gladiator II.
Fans and the production team were both upset when Keoghan quit because Scott had envisioned him playing a major role with stars like Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Pedro Pascal.
Even though the disagreement kept him from joining the group, Scott did not mind when Keoghan quit and said nice things about Saltburn.
He told Keoghan, “I think that is maybe the best movie I have seen this year,” to show that he respected his choice.
Because the 32-year-old actor wanted to focus on Saltburn, the Gladiator II cast had to be rearranged in a big way.
Fred Hechinger filled Keoghan’s part as Geta, one of the co-emperors in the story.
Even though the part changed, Keoghan’s dedication to Saltburn showed that he is committed to taking on tough roles that help him grow as an actor, even if it meant putting off a big Hollywood remake.
Keoghan’s Role inSaltburnand Its Influence on His Career
Even though it cost him his part in Gladiator II, Barry Keoghan’s act in Saltburn was a turning point in hiscareer.
The dark comedy, which was directed by Oscar-winnerEmerald Fennell, is about an Oxford scholar namedOliver Quick, who is played by Barry Keoghan.
Quick’s character is a complicated person who has a hard time fitting in at his rich and elite university with his friends.
As the story goes on, Oliver becomes close with Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi. Felix is a rich student who asks Oliver to spend the summer with his strange and wealthy family.
Oliver is sucked deeper into a world of luxury and wealth, which makes him question who he is and what society values.
The film’s plot turns and humorous look at class and social structures gave Keoghan a chance to play a character who is struggling with identity and belonging, which gave Oliver’s story more complexity and depth.
WhenSaltburncame out near the end of 2023, it caused a lot of debate among reviewers and fans because it had some very controversial topics.
Still, Keoghan’s performance got him noticed, and he was nominated for both theGolden Globesand theBAFTAs.
His performance in Saltburn made him even more well-known as a flexible and brave actor who is not afraid to take on difficult parts, even in projects that do not follow the usual plot.
For Keoghan, Saltburn was not only a turning point in his career, but it also proved that he was right to put the project ahead of his promise to Gladiator II.
Ridley Scott was happy that Keoghan chose to focus on Saltburn, even though they lost Keoghan.
He said that Keoghan’s hard work and ability have made him one ofHollywood’smost recognized actors.
Scott, who cast Joaquin Phoenix as the famous bad guy in the first Gladiator, said that Keoghan was like Phoenix and Paul Mescal in terms of how complicated and dedicated he was.
He said that Keoghan was “challenging,” but he also said, “he is worth it,”noting how much he admires players who give their roles meaning.
Gladiator II, coming out on November 15 in the UK and November 22 in the US, brings back a great group of actors for Scott.
Paul Mescal plays Lucius, Lucilla’s son from the first movie. He also plays the lead part as an adult who goes on a trip to fight Roman troops that are moving into his home country ofNorth Africa.
General Acacius is a powerful Roman military leader played by Pedro Pascal. Denzel Washington plays a former slave who has become important in the Roman court.
Fred Hechinger, who replaced Keoghan, joins the group as the co-emperor Geta, a part that was originally meant for Keoghan.
Joseph Quinnalso plays Caracalla, the other co-emperor, making the show a lively look at power battles in the Roman Empire.
This follow-up, which takes place almost twenty years after the first movie, looks into Lucius’s complicated relationship with his mother Lucilla, his past, and who he is.
Gladiator II looks like it will be a great continuation of the story, with strong acting and Scott’s vision. It will use the themes of loyalty, memory, and power that made the first movie a cultural success.
Keoghan’s MemorableSaltburnScene and Podcast Insights
Along with the praise for his acting, Barry Keoghan’s performance in Saltburn got a lot of attention for a scene where he danced naked to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit song “Murder on the Dancefloor.”
The scene went global, which led to reports that the actors might have had their bodies changed for the movie.
In a funny conversation with Louis Theroux on theLouis Theroux Podcast, Keoghan talked about these reports and shot down any idea of artificial improvements.
“It was all me,” he laughed, adding that he was completely sure of himself when he was acting out the scene.
Keoghan talked about his mood while shooting. He remembered that after the first take, he eagerly asked to keep going, not caring that the part needed a lot of physical exposure.
Keoghan’s brave approach to such a difficult scene showed how dedicated he was to his job and how willing he was to take on unusual parts.
Fans got to know him and his artistic outlook better through the podcast chat, where he talked about how he only acts in scenes that add to the story.
This shows how choosy he is when it comes to acting. Ridley Scott said that Keoghan was a difficult but satisfying actor and Keoghan’s commitment to Saltburn and his ability to take on difficult parts back this up.
For Keoghan, Saltburn not only raised his image but also showed how strong he is as an actor who loves playing parts that push the limits.
Gladiator II.
Barry Keoghan and Gladiator II: Key Details
Key Point
Description
Actor
Barry Keoghan
Original Role
Villain inGladiator II
Reason for Exit
Scheduling conflict withSaltburn
Replacement
Fred Hechinger as Geta
Gladiator IIRelease Date
November 15 (UK), November 22 (US)
Barry Keoghan and Gladiator II: Key Details.
Conclusion
The fact that Barry Keoghan turned down Gladiator II in favor of Saltburn shows how dedicated he is to parts that push him and fit with the way he tells stories.
Ridley Scott’s high praise for Keoghan’s depth and skill shows how important the actor is becoming in Hollywood, as he compares him to famous actors like Joaquin Phoenix.
Fans may miss Keoghan in Gladiator II, but his risky career choices and outstanding performance in Saltburn show that he is dedicated to creating complex, important characters.
This makes him one of the most interesting up-and-coming actors in the industry.
In the end, both projects show Keoghan’s wide range of skills and love for telling stories.
Last Updated: November 11, 2024
