Ridley Scott turned down a superhero movie, and here’s why

Oscar-nominated director Ridley Scott revealed he was offered a superhero film but passed up the opportunity. Speaking to Deadline, Scott said he remembers his response: “No, thank you. Not for me.” However, he did not say whether they were Marvel or DC films.

Scott – known for films like Gladiator, Alien, Blade Runner and Black Hawk Down – went on to say that, at least by his own definition, he has made a few superhero films.

“I think Sigourney Weaver is a superhero in Aliens. I think Russell Crowe is a superhero in Gladiator. And Harrison Ford is the super anti-hero in “Blade Runner.” The difference is the damn stories are better.”

Scott went on to say that he is not a fan of the superhero film genre, but said that there have been a few good Batman films, while he is also a fan of the original 1978 Superman.

“There is this idolization of superheroes that is really just a comic book extension. And that’s a very difficult thing to write a comic book story and successfully turn into a film,” Scott said. “Still, I’m not a superhero fan, even though I used to love the comics. The more we have expanded our visual abilities, the stranger I find that everything becomes less and less real. And now it seemed to be becoming an excuse for actors to make a lot of money playing superheroes on the side.”

Scott’s comments follow those of actor Jeremy Allen White, who recently said he was confused by the idea that starring in a Marvel film is now considered by some to be the pinnacle of an actor’s career.

Scott has a number of major upcoming projects in the works, including Napoleon (November 2), in which Joaquin Phoenix plays the iconic historical leader. With the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes over, he’s also getting back to work on Gladiator 2.