Nearly two months after it was confirmed that Gladiator 2 will take place with Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal, original Gladiator star Russell Crowe has confirmed that he is not involved with the project.
Crowe starred as Maximus – a former Roman general sold into slavery after his family was murdered – who fights his way back to avenge the emperor who destroyed his family.
The film was a commercial ($503 million worldwide) and a critical success, winning five Academy Awards including Crowe as Best Actor and another for Best Picture.
There’s been talk of a sequel for more than two decades, though it’s now finally moving forward with Gladiator director Ridley Scott returning to the live-action movie and Paul Mescal (Aftersun) starring as Lucius, nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and son of Lucilla (Connie). Nielsen) from the original movie.
The 58-year-old Crowe revealed The Ryan Trbady Show that he is not working on a sequel, though he wishes Mescal “good luck”.
Paul: Almost two months after it was confirmed that Gladiator 2 will take place with Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal, original Gladiator star Russell Crowe has confirmed he is not involved with the project.
Russell as Maximus: Crowe played Maximus – a former Roman general who was sold into slavery after his family was murdered – who fights his way back to avenge the emperor who destroyed his family
“I’m sure at some point they’re going to want to ask me something, but they haven’t mentioned anything in a while,” Crowe explained.
“It’s an extension of the narrative, but it’s long past Maximus’ passage, so it doesn’t really engage me at all,” the actor explained.
He added that he had heard, “That young Paul is a good friend and I wish him all the best for that.”
I guess where they pick up the story from a young Lucius who takes on the role of Emperor. I think that’s a very clever idea in the movie universe we’ve created,” Crowe admitted.
Although not involved, he said many of his friends would likely work on the film, adding, “I already know designers and leather workers who make armor and things like that.”
I don’t want to dwell on it too much because it takes me back to a period of time when I was obviously a lot younger. And, you know, the rose-tinted glasses for that experiment are now completely crystallized,” Crowe admitted.
“I look back and loved every minute of it, and that wasn’t really the case at the time,” said the actor.
I love being on a period movie set. And getting into those kinds of costumes and those kinds of situations and things, it pulls me in a lot, the actor added.
Point: “I’m sure at some point they’re going to want to ask me something, but they haven’t mentioned anything in a while,” Crowe explained.
Maximus: “It’s an extension of the narrative, but it’s much further than Maximus goes, so it doesn’t involve me at all,” the actor explained.
Story: I guess where they pick up the story from a young Lucius taking on the role of Emperor. I think that’s a very clever idea in the movie universe we’ve created,” Crowe admitted
“There’s a slight edge of jealousy that people get that experience that I once had,” he admitted.
Mescal was reported to be joining the sequel in January, with Denzel Washington and Barry Keoghan also signed in unspecified roles.
Paramount has already released a November 22, 2024 release date for the sequel, though it’s unclear when filming might begin.
David Scarpa (All the Money in the World) is writing the script for the sequel, which will be directed by Ridley Scott.
Scott will also produce with Michael Bruce through the Scott Free director’s company, along with Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment.
Crowe will release four films in 2022 – Thor: Love and Thunder, Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher, The Greatest Beer Run Ever, and Poker Face, which Crowe also directed.
He’ll next appear in The Pope’s Exorcist, playing the Vatican’s chief exorcist, Gabriele Amorth, based on his actual files, in theaters April 7.
The actor also stars in The Georgetown Project and Kraven the Hunter, with several other projects in development.
Jealousy: “There’s a slight edge of jealousy that people get about that experience I once had,” he admitted.
Joining: Mescal was reported to be joining the sequel in January, with Denzel Washington and Barry Keoghan also signed on in unspecified roles
