Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning star of ‘Gladiator‘, didn’t care that his character died at the end of the 2000 epic. However, he sought to resurrect himself for Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel. According to Ridley Scott in a recent interview with People, Crowe was willing to do that after his tragic death in the original movie.
As ‘Gladiator II‘ is ready to rule the box office with a stellar cast including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal among others, the director has shelled out Crowe’s wish of being a part of it too. Here’s what he said.
Ridley Scott Recalls Russell Crowe’s Efforts To Star In ‘Gladiator II’
Ridley Scott delivered the first iconic part of the ‘Gladiator’ series more than two decades ago with Russell Crowe as its star. Though his character was killed off at the end of the film, it was nothing he regretted. Although, as Scott recently revealed, he did want another go at the second installation of the film.
“Russell and I had a go at it around 18 years ago,” Scott said of his conversation with Crowe about Maximus. “I kept saying, ‘But you’re dead.’ And he said, ‘I know I’m dead. And I want to come back from the dead.'”
Crowe even commissioned musician and writer Nick Cave to write an audacious sequel script. In the now-infamous version, Maximus was thrust into a Roman god-filled purgatory, fighting his way through history, from the Crusades to the World Wars and even Vietnam.
Despite the high-concept chaos, according to reports, Crowe dismissed it, saying to Cave, “Don’t like it, mate.” Cave, however, enjoyed the process, joking that he knew it was never going to be made.
Scott had also gone back and forth on a more obvious idea — that Maximus be returned through a “portal” of sorts through a dying warrior. But Crowe shut down the concept as that would require a new actor to take on the role, ultimately killing it.
What Is ‘Gladiator II’ About?
After years of development-based barriers, work finally started in 2018 on ‘Gladiator II‘, and it was finally released on November 22. The sequel follows Maximus’ now grown son Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, as he sets off on a hero’s journey like that of his father to restore democracy in Rome.
While Crowe won’t be repeating his role, fans can anticipate that Connie Nielsen will be back as Lucilla and Derek Jacobi as Gracchus. More stars attached to the glamorous cast include Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn for ‘Gladiator II‘.
In case you missed it: “Not Quite Sure How I Can Make This Better For You”: Russell Crowe Cautions Actors Who Expect Comic Book Roles To Be ‘Life-Changing’
Crowe’s absence from the sequel hasn’t been without some playful tension. Scott has publicly dealt with the issue, joking that he did not consider Crowe for the movie. “Why would I [consult Crowe]? He’s dead!” Crowe said.
He had also earlier said that he was “slightly uncomfortable” about the sequel, but he added it wasn’t his place to speak, as Maximus is “six foot under.”
