“Gladiator” Extras Reflect on Filming in Bourne Woods 25 Years On

Gladiator, the blockbuster film credited with providing Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe his “big break,” is seeing its director, Ridley Scott, release a sequel. This comes 25 years after the original movie’s battle scenes were filmed in Farnham, Surrey, prompting two of the film’s extras to recount their time on set. During a return visit to Bourne Woods, Scot Newing recounted participating in a scene alongside Crowe and offering advice to his co-star Richard Harris regarding a suitable spot for a post-battle drink. Concurrently, Andy Bowden remembered the apparent explosions in the woods during production and how his curiosity, along with a friend’s, resulted in an unexpected encounter with the film’s star and director. The filming spanned 10 days in February 1999, a period when the cherished forest seemed to be engulfed in flames. However, Mr Bowden had observed the special effects techniques employed. He explained to BBC Radio Surrey that “They buried gas cannisters underneath the ground, and it was operated a bit like a gas barbecue where they can turn the flames up or down.” The presence of numerous centurions and barbarians on set meant that the intervals between takes often felt somewhat surreal. Mr Bowden recounted, “I’d be sat down there with a guy with a sword sticking out of his neck, another guy with an arrow in his eye – and we’d be sat there casually talking about the football.” Mr Newing stated that the cast would “engage with the crew, the extras” and described Crowe as “a pleasure to work with.” He also recalled Richard Harris inquiring, “where can I get a drink after this, boys?” An exploration of the set at the close of the day resulted in an unexpected meeting for Mr Bowden and another extra. He recounted, “We opened the flaps of the tent and Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe were in there.” He added, “They were really happy and invited us in.” Both Mr Bowden and Mr Newing expressed having fond recollections of their involvement. Mr Bowden described it as, “It was a week of fighting and playacting in the woods with your mates.” Mr Newing’s most cherished memory involved appearing in a scene with Crowe, even though he was in the background. He further stated, “That was my moment of glory.”