Ridley Scott returns to direct Gladiator sequel, but what about Russell Crowe? The actor has revealed whether he will participate in the film.
Since it was announced the sequel of Gladiator with a new protagonist, audiences couldn’t help but wonder about the possible involvement of Russell Crowe. Protagonist of the first film, released in 2000 directed by Ridley Scott, Crowe is today a point of reference in the Hollywood scene and bringing him back to the cinema with a sequel 23 years later could be a smart move. Yet, after unconfirmed rumors, it was Russell Crowe who pointed out how things are.
Gladiator 2, Russell Crowe reveals if he will take part in the sequel
Ridley Scott will of course return to helm the sequel film, but has cast a new lead for The Gladiator 2. Paul Mescal will then take over from Russell Crowe spearheading a new storyline. A cult film of the 2000s, Gladiator is inspired by the novel Those about to die by Daniel Mannix published in 1958 and has won awards. It took home five Academy Awards in the main categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor for Russell Crowe and Best Costume Design for a historical film. 23 years after its debut and success between box office and critics, Gladiator has gotten the green light for a sequel project which, however, changes the protagonist. Paul Mescal is an actor best known for starring in Normal People on TV and recently in the cinema with The dark daughter, After sun e God’s Creatures. Regarding the sequel, Russell Crowe has clarified that no, he will not take part in the film. However, he is aware of some interesting details of the plot. To the microphones of the podcast Fitzy e Wippathe actor said that some time ago Ridley Scott had contacted him for Gladiator 2:
Yes, we talked about it at dinner. So I kind of know where the story comes from. If you recall, there was a little boy who wanted to beat the Gladiator. Today that little boy has grown up and become the emperor. I don’t know what else will happen at this point, but that’s the starting idea, so it’s not a remake, but it’s not a direct sequel either. You can’t pick up from scratch after 30 years.
It therefore appears that Russell Crowe will not reprise his role as the Roman general Maximus Decimo Meridio in the sequel to Gladiator. Considering the ending of the first film, that would be a more than understandable choice. Yet, as reported ScreenRant, the original script included the return of Maximus resurrected by the gods. Then that plot was scrapped.
