Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott has sought to mend fences with Malta after sparking controversy with a comment about the islands being a poor choice for a holiday.

Scott clarified that his remark, made during a recent interview, was an “attempt at humour” that was misunderstood.

“What I was trying to say is that I’ve spent so much time on the island over the years—working, exploring, enjoying, and watching it evolve—that I wouldn’t need to take a holiday there!” Scott explained in a comment given to Times of Malta.

He added how he has “always considered Malta a jewel in the Mediterranean” and looked forward to returning to the island.

The director, renowned for films like Gladiator and Blade Runner, has a strong connection to Malta, having filmed four of his projects on the island: White Squall, Gladiator, Napoleon, and the recently released Gladiator 2.

Despite his fondness for Malta, Scott raised eyebrows last week during an interview with fellow director Christopher Nolan when he quipped, “Malta is a treasure trove of architecture. I wouldn’t advise going there on holiday,” prompting laughter from the live audience.

He went on to praise Malta as a “wonderful” and “welcoming” location that has been pivotal to some of his most celebrated works. “My films have brought significant resources and opportunities to the country, as any major film production would,” Scott noted.

The director also expressed a heartfelt wish for the preservation of Malta’s rich culture and traditions. “Malta and Valletta, in particular, have always been places of artistic inspiration for me. My deep and sincere hope is that future generations can enjoy and learn from this country’s unique and diverse history.”

His comment advising people not to visit Malta, even sparked calls for Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech’s resignation.

Gladiator 2, which premiered last month, reportedly cost over $250 million to produce. Malta played a significant role in the film’s production, with a considerable chunk of its budget offset by the island’s lucrative cash rebate scheme for filmmakers.

Producers clawed back €47 million ($49 million) through the scheme, which is considered one of the most generous in the world.

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