The movie also featuresJoseph Quinn,Fred Hechinger, andOscar-winnerDenzel Washington.
Do you have a favorite Kubrick?
CONNIE NEILSEN: I do.
Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
It’s definitely2001: A Space Odyssey.
That’s my fave, without a doubt.
NIELSEN: I was, first of all, super happy.
The producers had written me first to say, You will be happy.
[Laughs]
They were not lying to you.
NIELSEN: They were not.
Image via Paramount Pictures
You’re a huge part of this story.
You sound a little surprised.
[Laughs]
Because you just never know.
Image via Paramount Pictures
They could have asked you back for, like, two scenes.
NIELSEN: Yeah, I wouldn’t have done it.
But you see what I mean?
After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.
NIELSEN: Absolutely.Lucilla is such a sacred character for me.
It’s a sacred experience, and I would have wanted to honor her experience.
What’s cool is he gets to be the heroandthe villain.
NIELSEN: Well, that is the incredible setup of the film, isn’t it?
It’s just such an incredible situation that he’s put in where basically everything has been subverted.
Everything has been poisoned.
But he has this gorgeous heart, and no matter who he plays, he cannot hide it.
I am a huge Ridley Scott fan and I’m curious, what was he like onGladiatorversusGladiator II?
Is he the exact same person?
What’s amazing is the way he works with all these cameras and his energy.
NIELSEN: He is just the same guy.
Because he is moving so fast.
He knows what he wants.
You don’t want to try one more just to ensure that maybe we can explore some other things?
And he’s like, I’ve got it, and he does.
Ive gotta go.
Im just going to say Im also really looking forward toNobody 2.
NIELSEN: Oh, thank you!
Im a big fan of the first film.
NIELSEN: I was happy when I got that script, too.
[Laughs]
Gladiator IIhits theaters in the US on November 22.
