It’s an undeniable truth universally acknowledged: Ridley Scott has made some of the greatest films of all time. Think about it—Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise—these cinematic masterpieces have left indelible marks on the fabric of culture. And this maestro isn’t resting on his laurels. Despite decades of brilliance, Scott shows no signs of slowing down. After last year’s Oscar-nominated Napoleon, he is once again back in the director’s chair.
Yes, you guessed it—we are referring to Gladiator 2. Fans have been clamoring for this sequel for what feels like an eternity, and Scott is promising it’s worth the wait. But of course, there’s a pinch of drama—Russell Crowe, who won an Oscar for his performance in the first film, has earlier expressed his jealousy over his absence from this sequel!
Ridley Scott Thinks Gladiator 2 is His Best Work Yet?
Yes, Ridley Scott didn’t hold back in declaring that Gladiator 2 is one of his finest works—he’s practically throwing down the gauntlet for movie buffs. The director, 86, is no stranger to pushing the envelope, and with this eagerly awaited sequel to Gladiator (2000), he’s rolling up his sleeves and diving back into the Colosseum’s chaos.
During his recent interview with Empire, Scott confessed:
It’s the best thing I’ve ever made.
And he wasn’t about to stop there—he quickly added:
One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ’uns.
With this declaration, he’s not just blowing smoke; he’s aiming high, placing Gladiator 2 on the same pedestal as his iconic hits. According to Scott, this film promises “full-bore, brutal action” that could very well rival, if not surpass, the original Gladiator. After all, the project has been a labor of love spanning over two decades, steering through development hurdles and delays.
So, Scott’s enthusiasm has been nothing short of contagious, even though it’s been a bumpy ride. The sequel, which has had its share of missteps—including a trailer launch met with ridicule for its ill-fitting rap soundtrack—is now riding high on anticipation.
Early whispers from those who’ve had a peek suggest Gladiator 2 is not just a good sequel but a potential Oscar contender. Deadline has labeled it “fantastic” and “Oscar-worthy,” and with positive test screenings adding fuel to the fire, the excitement is tangible.
In the midst of this fanfare, it’s hard not to wonder how Russell Crowe, the original Maximus Decimus Meridius, feels about this forthcoming sequel.
Russell Crowe Might Be Upset About Ridley Scott’s Comments on Gladiator 2
Ridley Scott’s grand proclamation that Gladiator 2 is like adding fuel to the fire for Russell Crowe, who’s nursed a hefty dose of “jealousy” for not being part of the sequel. The director’s enthusiasm might be music to some ears, but for Crowe, it’s like rubbing salt in a wound.
The Gladiator actor earlier admitted to feeling “slightly uncomfortable” about the sequel. He told Kyle Meredith With…:
I’m slightly uncomfortable, the fact that they’re making another one, you know?
Crowe confessed, reflecting on his character’s untimely demise and the subsequent plot developments:
A couple of things that I’ve heard, I’m like, ‘No, no, no. That’s not in the moral journey of that particular character.’ But you know, I can’t say anything.
He further reflected back on the significant impact of Gladiator on his career, acknowledging that it opened many doors and set the stage for his subsequent successes. The actor added:
So there’s definitely a tinge — and this is just being purely honest — a tinge of melancholy, a tinge of jealousy. Because I remember when I had tendons.
The “tinge of melancholy” and “jealousy” he mentioned mirror his nostalgia for his role and a sense of loss over not being part of the new chapter.
As Gladiator 2 gears up for its grand premiere on November 22, 2024, with Paul Mescal stepping in as Lucius Verus, alongside a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Connie Nielsen, the stakes are higher than ever.
Gladiator is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
