Ridley Scott says he's an influencer, not a filmmaker
Ridley Scott says 8216i8217m not a filmmaker but an influencer, he told The Times of London. The three-time Oscar nominee argued that staying ahead of the game—and never repeating himself—defines his career. His next film is The Dog Stars, and he will receive an honorary Oscar at November’s Governors Awards.
Key Takeaways
- Ridley Scott told The Times of London he sees himself as an “influencer,” not a “filmmaker.”
- He linked the label to staying ahead of the game and refusing to repeat himself across films.
- His next project is “The Dog Stars,” with Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin.
- He has cast Hugh Jackman in a “Treasure Island” adaptation and still wants a Western, a musical, and an African elephant film.
- Scott will receive an honorary Oscar at November’s Governors Awards alongside Glenn Close and Floyd Norman.
Why Does Ridley Scott Call Himself an Influencer?
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Scott rejected the usual “filmmaker” label. Asked about a through line in his work, he said every project leaves him vulnerable—and that he never wants to repeat himself.
“I’ve been ahead of the game frequently and, if you’re ahead of the game, you’re an influencer. So I’m not a filmmaker, I’m an influencer,” Scott said, according to Variety.
The three-time Oscar-nominated director has long flexed that influence through classics such as “Blade Runner,” “Alien,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Gladiator.”
What Is Ridley Scott Working on Next?
Scott’s next film is “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin. He called Elordi “a big star” and said they “got on great.”
He implied he directed it after sensing sameness in Hollywood storytelling. “Look, everything now is about a murdered girl in the woods, or an FBI agent who is better than anyone else — or a superhero,” Scott said. “Fuck me! There have to be other stories to tell.”
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Which Career Goals Has Ridley Scott Not Crossed Off Yet?
Earlier in the same sit-down, Scott listed unfinished ambitions. He has never made a Western. He has cast Hugh Jackman for his “Treasure Island” adaptation. He also wants to direct a musical and make “a marvelous film about the African elephant.”
When Will Ridley Scott Receive an Honorary Oscar?
Scott will soon receive an honorary Oscar at November’s Governors Awards. Other recipients include Glenn Close and Disney’s first Black animator, Floyd Norman.