Gladiator IIdirectorRidley Scotthas expressed interest in releasing a four-hour version of his Gerard Depardieu-led historical epic that earned $59 million at the box office.Scott has released 11 extended cuts throughout his career, some of which have become considered the definitive versions of his movies. This includes theFinal Cut ofBlade Runner, which remastered the film, cut out unnecessary voiceover, and changed the ending to what the director initially envisioned. His director’s cut ofKingdom of Heavenis also highly-praised, despite negative reviews for the original theatrical release.
Some of his other director’s cuts have also not been extended editions,such as a cut ofAlienthat, while a minute shorter, provides new context about his vision for its universe. Other alternate versions haven’t made as big an impact, however, such as an extra eight minutes added toBlack Hawk Downor hisNapoleondirector’s cut, which, while deepening its historical context, didn’t make as many waves as his previous movies. Even so, the director still has visions for potential director’s cuts for some of his movies, including one he directed 32 years ago.
Ridley Scott Wants An Extended Cut Of 1492: Conquest Of Paradise
The Film Wasn’t A Major Success When It Was Released
Scott would like to release a four-hour version of his 1992 historical epic1492: Conquest of Paradise. The movie, starring French actor Gérard Depardieu, along with Armand Assante and Sigourney Weaver, followed explorer Christopher Columbus' journey to the New World, and its impact on the indigenous population.Scott’s historical moviereceived mixed reviews and was a box-office failure, grossing $59 million against a budget of $47 million. However, reception has been kinder in recent times, andScott has often cited it among his best films.
In a career retrospect withThe Hollywood Reporter, theBlade Runnerdirector spoke about his career and fondly remembered1492as among his best and favorite projects. Scott discussedhis desire to resurrect the historical epic and release it as a four-hour version for streaming platformsand even joked about dubbing Depardieu’s dialogue with Shakespearean thespian and fellow director Kenneth Branagh. Additionally, he mentioned reuniting with Vangelis on the film, with whom he worked onBlade Runner. Check out Scott’s comments below:
‘I also worked with Vangelis again on a film I’m very proud of, 1492, with Gérard Depardieu. The problem with Gérard is he doesn’t speak very good English and I didn’t have the heart to say, “Gérard we need to [re-record all your lines].” I’m trying to resurrect 1492 because it’s so beautifully shot and acted and scored. I’m trying to resurrect it as a four-hour [movie] for a streaming platform. Now if I asked, “Gérard, can we ADR you with Kenneth Branagh?” he’d probably say, “Yeah, of course.”’
What Scott’s Comments Mean For1492’s Re-Release Hopes
Reception In The 90s Was Muted, But The Time Could Be Right
Scott’s comments show that he still has the same fondness for the movie he did when it first came out calling it “One of my favorite films.” In 2024, he still seems to share these sentiments, which bodes well for those hoping to see an updated version of the movie.1492struggled on initial release,with American audiences not taking to it (though it fared far better overseas), as well as confusion with similarly-themed Marlon Brando epicChristopher Columbus: The Discovery, which was released less than two months prior.
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As Scott hints, a longer re-release of the movie would require some work, but theGladiator IIdirectorbelieves the movie would be a success. Indeed,the cinematography and performances could certainly wow even modern audiences. There’s an argument that1492was released too early, with audiences at the time perhaps not ready for movies with enormous scope. The 1993 release ofJurassic Parktransformed the summer blockbuster and could have boosted the success of1492, so there is a place for the movie in modern times, particularly as streaming has transformed how people watch films.
Our Views On Whether A 4-Hour Cut Of1492Will Be A Success
The Success Of Recent Director’s Cuts On Streaming Shows Positive Signs
Even though it’s not considered one of Scott’s best movies, the film could end up likeKingdom of Heaven, improved because of its director’s cut.
This might seem like a bold move for Scott, but there is a world in which a four-hour release of1492could perform well. I believe the recent streaming success ofZack Snyder’sJustice Leaguesuggests there is an audience for long-form re-releases of movies, and streaming makes this more accessible. Also, platforms like Netflix and Prime Video have begun to experiment with more epic original content, such asAll Quiet On the Western FrontandRings of Power, so an epic adventure about Columbus' travels could see1492: Conquest of Paradiseperform well on streaming.
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He’s also no stranger to releasing extended cuts of his movies on streaming platforms, with his director’s cut ofNapoleonhaving been released on Apple TV+ earlier this year. This would make streaming a prosperous avenue for the movie, potentially emphasizing how home platforms can allow directors with a creative vision more freedom, even in adjusting movies they’ve already made. Even though it’s not considered one ofScott’s best movies, the film could end up likeKingdom of Heaven, improved because of its director’s cut.
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As for the probability of a new version of the 1994 historical epic actually happening, it will depend on how much Scott is able to push a studio to fund and release a four-hour cut of the film. His initial plans forNapoleoninvolved a four-and-a-half-hour cut, but those fell to the wayside in favor of a version that was 3 hours 24 minutes long. Even so, a renewed version of1492: Conquest in Paradisewould be interesting to see, and something that could very much succeed in the current movie landscape.
