Gladiator 2 is ready to hit the screens this year in November. Russell Crowe, who headlined the prequel Gladiator, will not be reprising his iconic role in the second segment. The actor played the character of Maximus Decimus Meridius in the first film where he suffered a tragic death after a dramatic duel with his brother Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), successfully restoring Rome as Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) had intended. This pivotal ending is the reason why director Ridley Scott explained Russell Crowe’s absence from the sequel.
Ridley Scott, who has directed both the Gladiator films, recently discussed the sequel in an interview with Empire magazine. In a candid interview with the host, he said, “The plot, frankly, was right under our noses. I think it was so close under our noses that we thought it was too simple. 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. Why would I? He’s dead!"
Meanwhile, in the Kyle Meredith With podcast, Russell Crowe shared his thoughts on Gladiator 2, expressing his feelings about the sequel. “I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact that they are making another one, you know? 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," he said.
Russell Crowe admitted the profound impact Gladiator had on his professional trajectory, which opened up new opportunities and shaped his career. “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," he added.
The highly-anticipated Gladiator 2 introduces Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus, and is set more than 20 years after the original film. The film also features Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger in key roles. Connie Nielson and Derek Jacobi will be making a return, reprising their characters — Lucius’ mother Lucilla and Senator Gracchus respectively.
Gladiator 2 focuses on Lucious, once the heir to the Roman Empire, who turns gladiator after his home is overtaken by Roman forces commanded by General Marcus Acacius. This conflict occurs during the rule of the co-emperors Caracalla and Geta.
Gladiator 2 releases worldwide on November 22.
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