Exclusive: Gladiator 2 Sparks Outrage with Jaw-Dropping $50 Million Refund

Summary

The $50 million refund for Gladiator 2 is facing backlash from locals in Malta, who feel it has taken away jobs from them.

Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech justifies the decision, stating that its purpose is to generate increased foreign investment and safeguard local employment. In addition to the recent mishap on set, the dispute regarding Gladiator 2 also encompasses anxieties pertaining to animal mistreatment, although the production team has disproven the latter claim.

Gladiator 2's recent achievement of setting a new European cinema record has resulted in backlash from residents of Malta due to the announcement of a $50 million refund. The highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's acclaimed historical epic takes place two decades after the original film, focusing on the transformation of Lucius, Commodus' nephew, since his rescue by Maximus. Scott has returned to direct the film and has assembled an impressive cast including Paul Mescal as Lucius, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and May Calamawy.

The announcement of the $50 million refund has sparked a significant amount of criticism, particularly from Malta's Film Commissioner Johann Grech. Grech defended the decision to provide such a substantial rebate in a Twitter video, translated by Times of Malta. He firmly voiced his support for the foreign production, accusing local businesses who oppose it of destabilizing the film industry. Grech emphasized that the rebate was intended to attract more foreign investment, rather than detract from local businesses. To hear Grech's explanation, watch the quote and video below.

Why Gladiator 2's Refund Is Getting Backlash

Attacking the Maltese cash rebate incentive is not only an assault on the film industry, but also a direct threat to our nation's economy by discouraging foreign investment. Those who voice opposition against the cash rebate are essentially undermining your job and jeopardizing your future. However, rest assured that we are committed to safeguarding your employment. This attack targets not only the livelihoods of the Maltese and Gozitan people but also the investments made by businesses in this industry. Recognizing the invaluable role you play, we have realized that your contributions are a major factor in attracting numerous film productions to our country. I will not allow anyone to impede your valuable work. Similar to the incentives provided to other sectors like gaming and financial services, the cash rebate serves as a means to attract more foreign investments. Let us rally together and unite, as divisions have never yielded positive results in the past. We are all interconnected as brothers and sisters, and our collaborative efforts have consistently brought success to our country. By ensuring stability in the industry, we have generated year-round employment opportunities. Our commitment does not stop here, and we refuse to regress back to an era of part-time employment. Rest assured, we stand by your side and will protect your job.

Controversies have plagued the production of Gladiator 2, beyond just the major tax rebate issue. Shortly after filming commenced, an unfortunate accident resulted in four crew members being hospitalized, while two others sustained injuries. Furthermore, PETA accused the production of animal abuse, citing "whistleblower reports" highlighting mistreatment of horses and primates on set. In response, PETA called for an end to the use of live animals. However, these concerns were dismissed by a reliable source closely associated with the production. They clarified that the American Humane Society has been monitoring the filming process, ensuring the well-being of the animals and confirming that no harm has befallen them.

As mentioned by Grech, the sequel's unprecedented refund is receiving negative feedback from Maltese residents who believe that the production's preference for foreign crew members has resulted in job losses. Given the extensive scale of this historical epic, there are undoubtedly numerous opportunities for locals residing in the film's shooting location to secure employment in its production. Furthermore, providing financial relief to Paramount and Universal Pictures solely for choosing to film in Malta may encourage similar practices in future productions, rather than prioritizing local hiring.

Nevertheless, Grech assures that the Malta Film Commission intends to safeguard local jobs, making this arrangement for Gladiator 2 a potential foundation for collaborating with foreign productions. While it is uncertain whether any provisions addressing this were included in the contracts between the organization and film studios, Grech and his team have possibly taken measures to ensure that locals are not overlooked when it comes to upcoming blockbuster projects in the country.

Source: Times of Malta & @JohannGrech/Twitter