Ridley Scott has offered a blunt comment regarding Russell Crowe’s involvement in the upcoming Gladiator sequel, emphasizing that the film will not simply be a cash grab. Directed by Scott and starring Russell Crowe, the 2000 film was a huge hit, earning widespread acclaim along with five Oscars.
As the filmmaker gears up for its release, he discussed Crowe’s involvement in the movie, revealing that his absence from the sequel is a deliberate choice, given that his character met his end in the first film.
Ridley Scott Explains Russell Crowe’s Absence in Gladiator 2
Following the success of Gladiator, which follows a betrayed Roman general, Maximus (Russell Crowe), seeking vengeance and justice in the brutal arena of ancient Rome, Ridley Scott is returning with its sequel, Gladiator 2.
The sequel focuses on Lucius Verus, portrayed by Paul Mescal, following the footsteps of Maximus in his quest to save Rome from its corrupt leaders. And the filmmaker Ridley Scott has revealed that the sequel would not bring back Crowe as Maximus.
In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Scott revealed that Crowe had no involvement in the sequel. “Why would I? He’s dead!” the filmmaker said regarding Crowe’s character, stating that he did not consult him as his journey concluded with the original movie.
However, he still praised the Gladiator star, calling him “one of the best actors in the world,” as he expressed hope to continue a good relationship with the actor. He told Empire Magazine, as per Discussing Films,
I think he’s still one of the best actors in the world, and I think we have a good relationship. I hope we do. As long as he doesn’t start bitching about how he wasn’t consulted.
His decision to not involve Crowe has been well-received by fans, as it underscores the filmmaker’s commitment to creating a sequel that stands on its own merits instead of relying on nostalgic ties to the original.
Fans Praise Ridley Scott For Prioritizing Originality Over Nostalgia
Ridley Scott’s decision to avoid including Russell Crowe in the upcoming sequel has been met with widespread approval from fans, who have been eagerly awaiting its release. Reacting to the news, one fan said on X (Twitter)
I’m just happy that the director remembers what happened in the last film so it doesn’t make this sequel feel like a cash grab.
I'm just happy that the director remembers what happened in the last film so it doesn't make this sequel feel like a cash grab.
— Mai Sakurajima (@ImaiSakurajima) September 2, 2024
Don’t dishonor that legacy and revive him…The Gladiator ain’t marvel with its multiverse characters pic.twitter.com/LxONX7OETM
— Shahid Afridi (@XAfridee) September 2, 2024
If the studio had its way there would be a Russel Crowe cameo where Maximus speaks to Lucius from Heaven
— Praveer Tiwari (@therealpraveer) September 2, 2024
Wow. You mean… a character who dies actually, really, truly….stays dead?
— DMagill – Author sci-fi post-apoc (@dmagillwrite) September 2, 2024
I must be dreaming.
<cough cough marvel cough cough>
Glad Ridley didn’t try and do the story that rumored Russell Crowe’s character escaped Hell to return to the living.
— Bud Bundy (@ItsBudBundy) September 2, 2024
Many are relieved that Scott is not succumbing to the trend of reviving deceased characters for the sake of nostalgia, a practice often seen in other franchises, particularly those involving elaborate multiverse concepts like Marvel’s.
Fans also reflected on how bringing him back in the sequel would have undermined the impactful conclusion of the original film, where Maximus heroically died after defeating Commodus and fulfilling Marcus Aurelius’ vision for Rome.
His adherence to the established storyline and not resurrecting the character reinforced the filmmaker’s determination to craft a sequel that honors the original film’s legacy and stands on its own, without relying on gimmicks or fan service.
Gladiator is available on watch on Prime.
Gladiator 2 is set to release on November 22, 2024.
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