Ridley Scott Explains The Difference Between Christopher Plummer & Kevin Spacey’s Performance In ‘All The Money In The World’

So, how on Earth did Ridley Scott reshoot 22 scenes in “All The Money In The World,” with Christopher Plummer replacing disgraced actor Kevin Spacey, a mere six weeks before the film was scheduled to open? You simply get it done.

“I move like lightning. I’m already two scenes ahead. It’s simple! If you know what you’re doing, you don’t need 19 takes,” the director boldly said last month. True to his word, Scott got the revised movie in the can, with only a slight push in its release date, with Sony moving the picture from December 22nd to Christmas Day, mostly for logistical reasons (the finished movie was already screening for critics last week).

It was a whirlwind reshoot, but Sony chief Thomas E. Rothman marveled at the dedication of the film’s director and new star, telling The New York Times it was like watching “two octogenarians kicking absolute ass.”

READ MORE: Ridley Scott Holds The Audience Hostage In The Bleak And Searing ‘All The Money In The World’ [Review]

But not only was Scott lucky enough to find a last-minute replacement for Spacey in Plummer (who, ironically, was his original choice for the role, but was told by studio suits he needed a bigger name) but it turned out to be a performance that arguably made his movie better.

“I think it’s a fantastic change,” the director explained. “Kevin’s performance was colder. Christopher has enormous charm — a twinkle and a smile — that makes this coldly logical character feel even more dangerous.”

Certainly, Plummer’s John Paul Getty Sr. has ice water running through his veins, and no matter where you land on the film itself (I actually think it’s an airless thriller), Plummer is commanding and darkly funny. That being said, we’ll have to take Scott’s word on Spacey’s work, because when asked if those scrapped scenes will ever see the light of day, the director said bluntly, “I doubt it.”

“All The Money In The World” arrives with Santa Claus in multiplexes on Monday.