X Calls Out Ridley Scott’s 'Gladiator 2' and 'Napoleon' After ‘Trash’ Comment

Published 10/06/2025, 12:05 PM EDT

In a frank public denunciation, Ridley Scott recently trashed contemporary films, admitting that these days he re-watches his own rather than trudging through what he perceives to be mediocrity. He bemoaned how the sheer number of today's releases lacks emotional resonance, stating his classics do not age the same. The salvo stirred the internet's apple cart, opening the floodgates of backlash from fans.

X users particularly slammed Ridley Scott's new films Gladiator II and Napoleon, deeming them evidence of his hypocrisy. Following Scott’s harsh remarks, social media erupted. On X, fans and critics highlighted them as counterexamples, arguing that Scott's recent work reflects the same mediocrity he criticizes. Some users fired back at him for making unwanted sequels with uninspired scripts, while others questioned his long-term relevance as an artist for making such comments.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

According to Metro, Ridley Scott declared his polarizing statements at a British Film Institute event, openly declaring that films today are frequently short on content. He dissed the increased production of low-quality movies, adding that "most of it is sh--." He conceded that he only watches his own movies now, noting that "we’re drowning in mediocrity." To him, too many new movies rely on spectacle rather than feeling, at the expense of character-driven storytelling. But by labeling others' efforts as trash, he has invited the same criticism online.

“Who can pick up the hammer now?” - Fans React as Chris Hemsworth Reflects on 15 Years as Thor

Scott's words reverberate louder than his movies today as fans flood X with negative reactions, clowning his statements, with only a few being open to understanding.

Fans call out Ridley Scott for trashing modern movies

Ridley Scott's own record includes classic movies such as Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, but his recent remarks have a more pointed bite, since they come with the advent of Gladiator II and Napoleon. Fans on X point to Scott's worst works while highlighting the success of new movies.

Others even accused him of inhabiting a bubble of nostalgia while noting that Napoleon itself had received mixed critical reviews.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The general fan consensus weighs against Scott's statements, with the majority of them pointing to the flaws in his newest films. Whether slammed for his recent comments, X users still unanimously concede to Scott's past legacy, which comprises jaw-dropping stories, worthy of every award, and is beyond the loathed mediocrity of modern films.

Fans React as 'Gladiator 2' director Ridley Scott Denies Denzel Washington’s "chicken" Claims Over Man to Man Kiss

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your thoughts on Ridley Scott's comments on modern movies? Tell us in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Ipshita Chakraborty

226 articles

Ipshita Chakraborty is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie. Offering thoughtful and compelling storytelling, they cover everything Hollywood and trending, from the latest streaming sensations to behind-the-scenes buzz. With about 7 years of writing experience for online media, Ipshita brings their voice to the coverage through industry analysis and cultural critique, a strength evident in prior work, such as their views on why the Michaela gender swap was needed in Bridgerton.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK