Ridley Scott has been busy working on the sequel to his critically and commercially acclaimed hit, Gladiator. Coming more than two decades after the first film starring Russell Crowe was released, it stars Paul Mescal in the lead as Commodus’ (Joaquin Phoenix) nephew, Lucius.
Set in the aftermath of the events of the first film, with Crowe’s Maximus dead and buried, fans have some high expectations from the film. But the film series’ original lead, aka Crowe, feels slightly uncomfortable about the sequel, as he revealed in a recent interview.
Russell Crowe Uncomfortable with Paul Mescal’s Gladiator II
Russell Crowe, up till now, has been pretty selective about commenting on Paul Mescal–starrer Gladiator II. While he stated to Collider that he felt slightly jealous about a sequel being developed of a film as pivotal as Gladiator, he wished Mescal good luck while appearing on The Ryan Tubridy Show.
After stating last year that he had no idea what was going on in the film or the plot (via THR), Crowe opened up about the sequel again on a recent episode of Kyle Meredith With… Podcast and stated how uncomfortable he felt about the sequel.
I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact that they’re making another one, you know? Because of course, I’m dead, and I have no say in what gets done.
But unlike before, it seems a few or more details about the film have made their way to them. After revealing how uncomfortable he has been feeling, the actor revealed the reason why he has been feeling this way.
But a couple of the things I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘No, no, no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’ But I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six foot under. So we’ll see what that is like.
Having beautifully depicted Maximus in the 2000’s Gladiator, it is understandable that the actor might be feeling slightly nervous and uneasy about the upcoming flick since the film played a major role in his life and career.
Fans React to Russell Crowe’s Recent Remarks About Gladiator II
While Ridley Scott did an exceptional job in making the award-winning Gladiator, it was really the talent of Russell Crowe that stole the show. Starring as General Maximus, Crowe perfectly depicted the strength, determination, and resilience of the character, throughout his troubled and tumulous journey.
Crowe’s portrayal was a significant factor in the film’s success, and it’s understandable why fans and critics hold his performance in high regard. So, when the actor’s comments about feeling uncomfortable with the upcoming sequel went viral, this is how fans reacted:
I'm not sure this is a good sign…
— Gojiragon (@Kaijulian96) June 13, 2024
I totally get where he's coming from. It's tough when a character you've poured your heart into takes a different path.
— Vicky Cruz (@victoricruzz) June 13, 2024
I’m definitely not watching it
— Dav-El (@KalEl49er) June 13, 2024
Gladiator is such a classic, and it's natural to have mixed feelings about a sequel.
— Vicky Cruz (@victoricruzz) June 13, 2024
I'm with Russell Crowe on his statements with Gladiator 2. I don't think it's really necessary, and a sequel to it nearly 23 years later. I mean, why? What's the point of making a sequel to an already great movie? It just doesn't need it. https://t.co/BthwlvZV6J
— Brett Yeamans🇺🇸✝️American Patriot (@BrettYeamans) June 13, 2024
Given the impact of the original film and Crowe’s portrayal, it’s natural for fans to have mixed feelings about the upcoming sequel. As Crowe’s comments reflect the deep connection he feels with his character, the sequel will have to get things done right to not mess up the legacy of the first film.
Gladiator II will hit theatres on 22 November 2024.
