Ridley Scott Declares "I'm Not a Filmmaker, I'm an Influencer"

Summary

Ridley Scott stated in an interview that he considers himself an influencer rather than a filmmaker due to staying ahead of industry trends

The director criticized repetitive modern Hollywood storylines while detailing upcoming projects including 'The Dog Stars'

Scott is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November

Director Ridley Scott recently declared that he sees himself as an “influencer” rather than a filmmaker. The acclaimed director claimed in a recent interview with The Times of London, the three-time Oscar-nominated director explained that staying ahead of industry trends while consistently delivering box-office success defines his legacy in Hollywood. He told the publication, “I never want to repeat myself and all my films have been on the money. 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.”

Reflecting on his filmography—which includes classics such as Blade Runner, Alien, Thelma & Louise, and Gladiator—Scott emphasized his persistent drive to avoid repeating himself. Despite his extensive career, the director noted several unfulfilled goals on his checklist, including directing a Western, helming a musical, creating a film about African elephants, and casting Hugh Jackman in an adaptation of Treasure Island.

Scott’s next release is The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin. Praising Elordi as a major talent, Scott implied his decision to direct the project was driven by a fatigue with formulaic Hollywood storytelling, criticizing the industry’s heavy reliance on superhero blockbusters and repetitive crime tropes.

Ridley Scott will be honored with an Oscar at the Governors Awards in November, alongside fellow honorees Glenn Close and pioneering Disney animator Floyd Norman.