Actor Russell Crowe has revealed that he hasn’t been in any Gladiator 2 discussions if those discussions are happening at all. Though Crowe is well known for playing Maximus in the original Gladiator movie, he has yet to reprise the role. There have been rumors of a sequel in the works since the film came out, but fans have now gone two decades without any real news to substantiate this assertion.
When Gladiator was first released in 2000, the Ridley Scott movie was relatively popular and well-received by fans. The action-packed Ancient Roman revenge film has had staying power as well (we’ve all quoted the iconic "are you not entertained" scene at least once). Typically, this would mean good things for a potential sequel, and the film’s producers have stated that a second Gladiator is a strong possibility. However, the movie’s lead actor has a very different outlook on the situation.
Crowe explained his involvement with Gladiator 2 (or lack thereof) in an exclusive interview with ScreenRant promoting his upcoming thriller movie Unhinged. The actor revealed he didn't even know whether another Gladiator movie was a possibility since no one had approached him about the film. He also mentioned his frustration with the lack of communication about Gladiator 2, expressing that he had been carrying false hope for the project for the past twenty years.
“If they’re having conversations about that, those conversations haven’t included me. I’m not sure what they have in mind. At all… Can I just say, with a pinch of salt, they have genuinely been having the same conversations since the year 2000.”
Crowe’s evident frustration with the lack of information is understandable, as is his suspicion that Maximus might not be brought back as a character. After all, the first Gladiator movie pretty conclusively ended Maximus’ arc with the finality of death. Director Ridley Scott would have to make some pretty bizarre leaps to resurrect Maximus for a second movie. In truth, it would make narrative sense to treat Gladiator as a singular, stand-alone film rather than the beginnings of an action franchise.
If a Gladiator 2 movie needs to happen, however, there are ways it could find success. Though it’s unfortunate we likely won’t see Crowe back for a second Gladiator, the creators behind the sequel could have a unique chance to tell a whole new story. The strength of Gladiator came from its originality and emotionally moving plot. Writing another film in the world of Gladiator without Maximus poses a challenge, but it also means that a Gladiator 2 movie would have more opportunity to create something entirely its own.