Building Rome: Ridley Scott and his fellow filmmakers talk about recreating ancient Rome once again in “Gladiator II,” in cinemas December 4

Gladiator II is the most ambitious collaboration director Ridley Scott has done with production designer Arthur Max. The acclaimed filmmaker has often turned to Max to help build his creative vision. This is the 16th project Scott and Max have worked on together, a list that includes Gladiator, American Gangster, The Martian and Napoleon. 

“Everything is much bigger and more elaborate than anything we’ve done before,” says Max, who oversaw the design and build of ancient Rome for the movie. “It’s Gladiator on steroids. Ridley’s approach to making a film is always immersive. He’s involved in every phase, every department. It can be a challenge working with him, because he expects so much. And I love a challenge.”