The movie’s director, Ridley Scott, spoke to The New York Times before the upcoming release of “Gladiator II” and revealed that the first few days of production didn’t go as planned – mainly because Phoenix was overwhelmed and Crowe believed his behavior was “unprofessional.”

"[Joaquin] was in his prince's outfit saying ... he only had about two weeks to prepare for his multiple roles in "Split" because he was cast at the last minute after Phoenix reportedly dropped out a couple weeks before the production start.

Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix starred opposite each other in 'Gladiator', playing the roles of hero Maximus and antagonist Roman emperor Commodus