Movies - TV
Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 Faced Problems Due To An Anthony Hopkins Series
By JOE ROBERTS
Italy's Cinecittà Studios in Rome would have been a fitting location for “Gladiator II” to be shot, but unfortunately, the epic sequel was beaten to the punch by Anthony Hopkins.
Hopkins’ new sword-and-sandals TV show, “Those About to Die,” is also set in ancient Rome and focuses on gladiators.
When “Gladiator II” director Ridley Scott approached the legendary studio, he was informed that it was unavailable, forcing him to shoot in Morocco and Malta instead.
According to Robert Rodat, creator, writer, and executive producer of “Those About to Die,” there was no subterfuge involved, just a case of booking Cinecitta before Scott.
In an interview with Empire, Rodat said there was no competitive foul play when acquiring the services of Cinecitta Studios, and that there “are limited assets in Rome.”