Russell Crowe achieved worldwide stardom as Maximus in Gladiator, but he’s seemingly had a difficult relationship with the sequel.
Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator 2 follows Maximus’ son Lucius (Paul Mescal) who, after being forced into slavery, follows his father’s path by becoming a gladiator.
Alongside Paul Mescal, the film’s cast includes Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz and Denzel Washington.
The only two cast members to return from the original film are Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen, who play senator Gracchus and Lucilla respectively.
Is Russell Crowe in Gladiator 2?
Russell Crowe does not return as Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator 2. His character died at the end of the first film after being stabbed by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
While the legacy of his character has an impact on his son Lucius, Maximus doesn’t make an appearance through any flashback or dream sequence.
Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator’ CREDIT: Universal/Getty Images
What has Russell Crowe said about Gladiator 2?
In June this year, Crowe admitted he felt “slightly uncomfortable” by the prospect of a Gladiator sequel, as he had no involvement in its creation.
“I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact they’re making another one, you know?” Crowe told Kyle Meredith. “Because of course, I’m dead, and I have no say in what gets done. 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.”
Paul Mescal in ‘Gladiator 2’. CREDIT: Paramount Pictures
Speaking about the original Gladiator, he added: “I reflect back on the age I was when I made that film and all the things that came after it and the doors that particular movie opened for me. So there’s definitely a tinge – and this is just being purely honest – a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy. Because I remember when I had tendons.”
Crowe, who was never asked to return for the sequel, did wish Paul Mescal “the best of luck” with the film.
Speaking on The Ryan Tubridy Show in March last year, Crowe said: “I hear that young fella Paul is a good dude and I wish him the best of luck with it. I think where they’re picking the story up from, a young Lucius, stepping into the role of emperor. I think that’s a very smart idea within the world of the film that we created.”
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