In a recent interview, Gladiator II filmmaker Ridley Scott spoke about what it means to him to be a filmmaker and about retirement. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about how he would feel if he stopped working, Scott said, "Since [the original] Gladiator, I think I’ve done 16 movies — which is kind of a lot in 20 years. I always envied being an actor and you can do two or three movies a year. They don’t have to do any prep except learn their lines. I’ve got to have it written, budget it, cast it, shoot it, make it, edit it, and deliver it."

Explaining whether it feels like labour to him at his age, the 86-year-old filmmaker stated, "I wouldn’t be doing it [if directing felt like work]. It’s my passion and therefore my pleasure. I think it actually keeps me going. I’ve damaged myself with too much tennis. I’ve got dodgy knees and I’m now getting injections in them — I can’t be the old guy staggering around the set because when we were doing Gladiator II we’re in 112 degrees and I have to be out there."

Addressing whether he would work as long as he is alive, Scott said, "When I go..," while adding, "I mean, Clint (Eastwood) is 92."

Scott also remarked that he does not buy Quentin Tarantino's statement about retirement after his tenth film. "Shut up and go make another movie. Quentin wrote a few things for my brother. They got along great. I’m not sure I’ve met him," said Scott.

The legendary filmmaker also hinted at another Gladiator sequel. "There's already an idea. I’ve always had this idea based on The Godfather Part II, he said.