Ridley Scott Rejects $20M for Terminator 3: Insights on Daleks, Directing, and Integrity

Having delved into dystopian worlds, grand historical narratives, and the complex ethical dimensions of existence, which concept or inquiry has consistently intrigued you? RemyNaylor
Who’s out there. It’s high time for a revelation, given the chaos unfolding here below. We’ve become a true scourge, 7.5 billion strong, overwhelming our planet. As time passes, one can’t help but ponder: will we meet a deity clad in long, flowing garments, or is emptiness all that awaits? I try not to fixate on it. Oddly, I still feel as though I’m 21. It’s a curious and bizarre feeling.

Did your role directing those iconic Hovis commercials in the 70s earn you a lifetime supply of bread? TeeDubyaBee
No, that wasn’t part of the deal. But growing up in Stockton-on-Tees, I consumed my fair share of Hovis, topped with cherry jam and butter, toasted – absolutely divine. I directed five ads for Hovis, each one a classic in its own right. The most memorable featured a young lad climbing a hill. I filmed the first one near Halifax, in a mining village. Interestingly, I might return there for my upcoming war film [Covenant with Death], so I’m familiar with the locale.

At 87, you’re still dominating the film industry. How has aging influenced your filmmaking approach? grimesy76
Assuming you keep your wits about you, what happens is a honing of your craft. I now manage to operate between eight and eleven cameras simultaneously. My most recent project was completed in just 34 days, a significant reduction from the usual 60 days. ‘Gladiator’ took 48 days; typically, it would take 100. I’ve mastered the art of meticulous planning and visualization, which significantly boosts efficiency.

Tennis was my sport of choice. I’ve just undergone my final knee replacement surgery. The first was in 2012, and the second, just last week. That marks the end of my tennis days. However, like any skill, the more you practice, the better you become. After forty years on the court, I’d gotten quite proficient. Without tennis, I’d probably be a 300lb couch potato by now.

Every time I revisit Redcar in Yorkshire, the sight of Roseberry Topping Hill reminds me of the dome-like structure on LV-223 from Prometheus. Do you plant such visual echoes for your amusement? magbearson
Roseberry Topping was our go-to hiking spot. The name alone brings a smile to my face. I once owned a beautiful country home in the Cotswolds, but it was always damp and raining. The house, likely built in the 1600s, had us living practically by candlelight, which I adored. I purchased it for just 72 grand, a sum that wouldn’t even cover garage repairs today. Eventually, I sold it when my kids outgrew their fondness for rural pastimes like pony riding.

Longing for the countryside led me to acquire a small vineyard in France 30 years ago. In one corner, there’s a hill that strikingly resembles Roseberry Topping. I wouldn’t recommend viticulture as a career, though. It seems no one drinks wine anymore. My goal is simply to break even.

The Hollywood Reporter once quoted you saying Muriel’s Wedding is your favorite film. Could you share why?Sjp15991
I was partly jesting, but I genuinely adore it because of the relentless optimism of the two main characters. And, I must confess, I’m quite fond of Abba. I still find myself singing their songs in the shower.

The Final Cut is undeniably the definitive version of Blade Runner. What is your response to those who advocate for the theatrical release? TheManWithoutFear
All versions had their moment. The hardest lesson was learning to be my own critic. After a particularly scathing review by Pauline Kael in the New Yorker, which attacked everything down to my physical appearance, I stopped reading reviews. I framed that article; it hangs in my office as a reminder to stay resilient.

Your father served in the military. Did he ever express disapproval of your ambitions to pursue art? Jagoman
Not at all. After the war, he advised against a military career for me, noting my academic struggles but recognizing my talent in art. He encouraged me to attend art school. I still remember my art teacher at Grangefield grammar school, Mr. Cleeland, a progressive with long hair who was regarded as eccentric but was a wonderful mentor.

How close were you to designing the Daleks for Doctor Who? badrobot2
I was quite skilled in design. I shared an office with Ray Cusick, the designer, while Verity Lambert produced the show. Ray wasn’t thrilled with the Dalek design either, likening them to inverted dustbins, but it was what the producer wanted. And, as it turns out, they’ve become iconic.

Is there potential for a third Alien prequel and a Gladiator 3? petewinf and bozo500
A Gladiator sequel is currently in the works. As for another Alien prequel, that certainly could happen if the right idea comes along.

Were you ever seriously considering directing Terminator 3? bozo500
I’m proud to say I turned down a $20 million offer. It’s proof that I’m not for sale. When I asked to be paid what Arnold Schwarzenegger was making, they agreed, which shocked me. But ultimately, I passed. The Terminator series, like Bond films, has a certain camp and fun element that doesn’t align with my style. I aim for realism, which might ruin the essence of those franchises.

Have you ever taken the Voight-Kampff test from Blade Runner yourself? Sagarmatha1953
That device was brilliant! Unfortunately, someone stole it from the set. If it ever surfaces, I’ll be on their trail like a rat up a drainpipe. I used to leave props behind after filming, but now I make sure to keep mementos. My vineyard in France houses several space suits from my films, including ones from The Martian and the original Alien. They’re stored in my barrel room, which doubles as an ideal wine cellar and would make a fantastic museum. Do stop by if you’re near Avignon; it’s worth a visit!

I appreciate the candidness of your press interviews, where you often tell off the interviewers. Do you find yourself swearing more now than in your 50s? Chin_Of_Tarantino and Bicuser
No, I was far more profane back in my 50s. How many times have I cursed during this interview? Ten? Twenty? There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-placed swear word. Does swearing signify intelligence? If you’re not mocking me, then perhaps I am indeed very clever.