Russell Crowe may no longer want to be asked about Gladiator 2. Image source: Universal
If it were up to Russell Crowe, we could do without Gladiator 2. But the now 60-year-old actor has no say in the big film sequel, which is scheduled to be released in Europe cinemas on November 21, 2024.
After all, his Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius – spoiler alert – also died in the 24-year-old original from 2000. So Crowe is not returning for Gladiator 2, even though there were actually plans for that at one point.
Gladiator 2 is for Russell Crowe a bit uncomfortable
Now Russell Crowe reveals in a new interview with Kyle Merediththat he is not a fan of the fact that Gladiator 2 will actually be released.
Why exactly? According to Crowe himself, he has noticed certain story decisions that he is not entirely comfortable with. There are also personal feelings involved, which the actor makes no secret of:
I’m a little uncomfortable with them making a new part. Of course, I’m dead and have no say in it. But I’ve heard a few things and thought No, no, no – that is not the moral path this character should take.
But I have no say in the matter, it’s not my place. I’m already lying underground. […]
When I think back – how old I was at the time and how many doors this film opened for me. I have to be honest: for me, there is a lot of melancholy and a touch of jealousy here. I can still remember the time when I still had something like longing.
Crowe had previously hinted that he liked Gladiator 2 really gets on one’s nerves
Because he is constantly asked about it, even though he has nothing to do with the film.
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Gladiator: Official trailer for Ridley Scott’s historical epic
What else you should know about Gladiator 2
There are currently relatively contradictory reports about the plot of Gladiator 2. At least one thing should be clear: Paul Mescal follows in the footsteps of Russell Crowe’s Maximus as a young gladiator (and possibly as Commodus’ nephew Lucius?) and has to assert himself in the Colosseum in Rome.
According to Ridley Scott, Lucius was stranded in the wilderness for 15 years, estranged from his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and is now trying to regain his place in Roman society. A trailer is not yet available to the publicbut at least descriptions of what happens in it.
Fans will definitely have to do without Russell Crowe in the role of Maximus, Djimon Hounsou in the role of Juba or even Hans Zimmer as composer in Gladiator 2. According to reports, the budget of the film exploded
and are now valued at almost 300 million US dollars.
You can read more about what new films are coming in 2024 (and beyond) at the links above.
What do you think about Gladiator 2 actually coming after 24 years of waiting? What hopes and expectations do you have for director Ridley Scott’s sequel? Let us know in the comments!
