Gladiator 2: Will Russell Crowe Return?

I don’t need to introduce Gladiator to you. Arguably one of the most iconic films of all time. Ridley Scott made us a cinematic event that is ingrained our brains. I’m not sure how did the film never had a sequel in the last twenty years. However, I think Ridley Scott has finally seen sequel potential in one of his finest works. The sequel is officially in development with Paul Mescal as the leading man. Gladiator 2 is supposed to be set 25 years later after the original and focus on Lucius, the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Gladiator villain, Commodus. Fans may remember Lucius Vercus played by the child actor Spencer Trea Clark in the original film.

As it turns out, Connie Nielsen will still play Commodus’ mother, who happens to be the only confirmed casting along with Djimon Hounsou who will be returning to play a slave. However, does this mean Russell Crowe won’t appear in the film in any proportion? Let’s find out.

Does Gladiator 2 Have Russell Crowe?

Just to clarify, at the time of writing there is no official update about Russell Crowe’s involvement in Gladiator 2. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate. Despite Crowe’s Maximus succumbing to his wounds following a fierce battle with Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus to end the first movie, rumors have been swirling about the actor having a potential role in the sequel.

The actor has talked to Variety about his involvement with the film. He said, “They should be fucking paying me for the amount of questions I am asked about a film I am not even in. It has nothing to do with me. In that world, I am dead. Six feet under. But I do admit to a certain tinge of jealousy, because it reminds me of when I was younger and what it meant for me, in my life.”

Despite these comments, Crowe was seen on the sets of the film in Malta amid filming. He told Deadline that the set felt like a time warp however, he offered on clarification on his involvement with the film or why was he present on the sets while it was filmed. Read Crowe’s official statement below:

“I looked across to Fort Ricasoli, and the Colosseum’s been built there again, just like it was in 1999. I tell you, man, it was like a time warp — for a couple of seconds there, I was like, ‘What year is this? Where are we?’ I don’t know what I was expecting, but I wasn’t expecting that they would rebuild the Colosseum in the exact same place.”

There is always the possibility that Crowe was on the set for a cameo in the film, but it seems based on his comments no actual evidence it is likely he was there on set as an honorary member of the Gladiator legacy.

Gladiator is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Gladiator 2 is set to hit theatres on 22nd November 2024. To know everything else regarding the movie including the plot, cast, characters, BTS and more, check out this article.

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