Russell Crowe’s Gladiator is etched in history as one of the movies that are irrevocably beautiful and perfect in its plot, storytelling, and execution. The film triumphs as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that could not have succeeded on such a massive scale if not for the masterful hand of Ridley Scott. It then becomes only natural that whispers of the film’s sequel have raged on since the early 2000s. However, if any have come close to snagging the attention of the actor and director duo remains doubtful.
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Should Russell Crowe Return For Gladiator 2?
Films that are as wildly successful and ubiquitously acclaimed as Gladiator often fall prey to the trap of failed expectations when it comes to remakes and sequels. However, that has never prevented Hollywood from milking a franchise for all it’s worth if it entails riding on the coattails of their predecessor’s success and the possibility of earning millions.
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However, to date, neither Russell Crowe nor Ridley Scott has grabbed on to the opportunity of making a Gladiator sequel for simply its economic value. The original had come as close as possible to representing the ancient regime of the Roman civilization in all its historical accuracy. If there is the possibility of a sequel, it would need to be grander, executed on a much bigger scale, with invocations to the period and staying true to the original classic.
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Nick Cave’s Outrageous Script for Gladiator 2
Nick Cave is widely known as the frontman for revolutionizing the post-punk movement with his contribution to the bands, the Birthday Party, and the Bad Seeds. The Australian singer, songwriter, novelist, screenwriter, and occasional actor has had a life marred by grief, tragedy, and personal loss and it is through his fascination with the themes of death and religion that he finds his way to the creative liberation of his mind.
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One of the most notable and radically outrageous scripts for Gladiator 2 had come from Nick Cave himself, and it was perhaps the only time Cave had let go of the reins of his mind and delivered a most conspicuous narrative of the world of Roman history intertwined heavily with the culture’s mythology. The script no longer was rooted in realism but had flown off into the lands of fantastical epics with gods and purgatory and resurrections and immortality.
When Russell Crowe received the script for Gladiator 2, he simply claimed, “don’t like it mate” while Ridley Scott had been a bit more optimistic, saying parts of the narrative would work out really well for the sequel. As of now, however, no screenwriter has been hired for the officially confirmed sequel project although the director has positively reinforced that the project would enter development as soon as he is done with Napoleon.
Source: Collider
