Ridley Scott has finally addressed the rumors of a feud between him and Hamnet actor Paul Mescal. The two previously worked together on Gladiator II and appeared to have a great relationship. They were also set to reunite for The Dog Stars, but the project ultimately moved forward without Mescal, with Jacob Elordi taking over the role.

Now, rumors have surfaced that Mescal was replaced shortly before filming because Scott was dissatisfied with the actor. Amid speculation surrounding the actor and The Dog Stars, the director’s representatives have finally responded.

The rumors of a feud between Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal began after Puck’s Matt Belloni claimed that the actor was removed from The Dog Stars at the last minute because the director was unhappy with his performance. He reportedly said that the actor was not masculine enough to lead Gladiator II. However, Scott’s representatives were quick to dismiss the rumors, revealing the director’s stance on the matter.

“Not true,” Scott’s spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly. “Ridley loves Paul and was excited to work with him on Dog Stars after having [enjoyed] such a great collaboration on Gladiator II."

Moreover, during a 2024 Directors Guild of America screening, Scott opened up about potentially having to let go of Mescal for The Dog Stars because the actor was committed to Sam Mendes’ four-part biopic film series about The Beatles. If anything, Gladiator II's lukewarm reviews may have further added fuel to the rumors. The scheduling conflict Scott mentioned at the time may, therefore, have been the actual reason behind Mescal’s departure from the film.

Scott has also consistently supported and praised Mescal, even comparing his performance in Gladiator II to Russell Crowe’s work in the original Gladiator. However, as the director’s representatives shared with Entertainment Weekly, while Scott was upset over Mescal's departure, he was also pleased to work with Elordi on The Dog Stars. He has spoken highly of the actor and his performance. 

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The director has also often raved about how Elordi made work on the film so much easier.

Ridley Scott recently spoke to PEOPLE about working with Jacob Elordi and recalled how the actor would often take the initiative to learn new things and experiment rather than wait for someone else to guide him. Scott admired Elordi’s approach and the way he contributed to the film.

“He got onto that lawnmower tractor, just started the engine, started working it. Nobody told him how,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Elordi has also spoken highly of the director’s vision and approach to filmmaking. A similar bond was seen between Scott and Mescal during Gladiator II, too. Although their reunion ultimately did not happen for The Dog Stars, fans may still wonder what the Gladiator II duo could have brought to The Dog Stars as the movie finally makes its way to screens. 

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What do you think about the rumors of feud between Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal? Let us know in the comments.