Russell Crowe, famed star of the iconic film “Gladiator,” has expressed unease about the upcoming sequel, “Gladiator 2,” due to his lack of involvement in its direction.
In a recent interview on the Kyle Meredith With… podcast, Crowe candidly revealed his discomfort with the sequel, noting that as his character Maximus died in the original film, he has no influence over its creative decisions.
Crowe articulated his concerns further, particularly about the moral journey of certain characters in the sequel. He mentioned hearing details about the film that seemed inconsistent with the original characters’ paths, yet acknowledged his inability to intervene.
Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist (2.0 Entertainment, Jesus & Mary, Loyola Productions)
“A couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘No, no, no. That’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’ But you know, I can’t say anything. That’s not my place. I’m six feet under. So we’ll see what that is like,” Crowe remarked.
Directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, “Gladiator 2” serves as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed and Academy Award-winning “Gladiator,” released in 2000. Despite Crowe’s absence, the sequel will center around Lucius Verus, portrayed by Paul Mescal, the son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and nephew to Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, it’s known that “Gladiator 2” will pick up approximately 15 years after the original, with Lucius having lived apart from his mother and now drawn into battles akin to those of Maximus. Early glimpses of Mescal in costume evoke the spirit of Crowe’s iconic character, suggesting a continuation of the epic saga.
Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist (2.0 Entertainment, Jesus & Mary, Loyola Productions)
Initial reactions from studio executives who previewed early footage of “Gladiator 2” have been overwhelmingly positive, dispelling initial worries about the sequel’s direction. According to reports, Ridley Scott’s vision and the ensemble cast, which includes Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Connie Nielsen reprising her role, have impressed early viewers.
“Gladiator 2” is set to debut in the United States on November 22, 2024, promising audiences a new chapter in the saga of ancient Rome’s tumultuous history. As Crowe prepares for other roles, including in “The Exorcism” and Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter,” his legacy as Maximus continues to resonate, even as the sequel ventures into uncharted narrative territory.
