Actor Russell Crowe is one of the ace actors in the cinematic universe and became quite famous for his role in The Insider, A Beautiful Mind, and more. However, the film that helped him get Academy Award for Best Actor was Gladiator, released in 2000. In the film, Crowe played the role of a Roman military commander called by the name Maximus Decimus Meridius. The film was a box office success and grossed over $503 million worldwide.
Russell Crowe even rejected Lord of the Rings because of Gladiator. There were talks about the film’s sequel for many years and some iterations were also made by different directors but there was nothing authentic. Director Ridley Scott is finally making the film, which will be released next year.
Also read- Man of Steel Star Russell Crowe Stole $503M Gladiator Role from 2 Time Oscar Winning Legend
Russell Crowe’s reaction on seeing the Gladiator 2 Set
The protagonist of the original film Gladiator, Russell Crowe visited the sets of the upcoming sequel of the movie, during the tour of his band in Malta. The actor revealed about seeing the set built for the Coliseum and admitted to being jealous of the cast members. He added about not knowing about the plot or the cast members as his character had died in the first film. But he shared that the sequel will be amazing with Scott as its director.
He said,
“I admit to a certain tinge of jealousy because it reminds me not only of my youth but of what that meant for me in my life.
It was a time warp for a couple of seconds. I don’t know anything about the cast or plot – well I wouldn’t, because I’m dead – [but] whoever’s involved in that movie, if Ridley has decided to do a second part to that story, he will have really strong reasons. It’s very typical of Ridley to rethink everything that he’s done and know how to make it better. I couldn’t think of that movie being anything less than absolutely spectacular when it does come out.”
There was earlier a script that involved the return of Crowe to the film however the plan was canceled.
Will Russell Crowe be part of Gladiator 2?
In the interview, The Pope’s Exorcist actor addressed the rumors of him returning as Maximus in Gladiator 2. He shared that he would not be part of the film as his character had died in the first film. However, that actor also revealed that he has spent a lot of time talking about Gladiator 2.
“They should be f***ing paying me, for the amount of questions I’ve had to answer about a f***ing film that I’m not even in. It’s got nothing to do with me; in that world, I’m dead, six feet under, and that’s that.”
Russell Crowe is the frontman of a folk-style band called 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, which he formed in 1992. They have released three records and tours regularly. During their tour to Malta, Crowe saw a full-scale production of the Colosseum set from the first Gladiator, making him feel a rush of nostalgia.
Gladiator 2 features Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Derek Jacobi. The film will release in theatres in 2024.
Also read- Russell Crowe Nearly Totalled His Career By Rejecting Lord Of The Rings Lead Role Due To $503M Movie
Source- Screen Daily
