Russell Crowe Shares His Frustration Over 'Gladiator II' Sequel

Russell Crowe, the bloke who brought Maximus to life and scored an Oscar for his troubles, has made it clear he’s not exactly thrilled with the direction Ridley Scott’s much-hyped follow-up, Gladiator II, has taken. In a recent chat with Triple J, Crowe didn’t hold back when asked about the sequel, which is set to hit screens in 2024. He’s not involved in the new film, but that hasn’t stopped him from sharing his two cents on what’s been done with the legacy of the original.

Disappointment With the Sequel’s Approach

Crowe reckons the team behind the sequel might have missed the mark on what made the first film resonate with punters.

I think the recent sequel that we don't have to name out loud is a really unfortunate example of even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made the first one special. It wasn't the pomp, it wasn't the circumstance, it wasn't the action — it was the moral core.

For Crowe, the heart of the original wasn’t in the flashy battles or the grand set pieces, but in the deeper values and the story’s sense of right and wrong. He’s clearly not keen on the changes made to Maximus’s story, and it sounds like he’s not alone in that view.

Fans React to Changes

Plenty of fans have voiced their own frustrations online, with some taking the mickey out of the creative choices in the sequel. Crowe’s comments have only added fuel to the fire, as many reckon the new film’s retcons don’t do justice to the character he made famous. The original Gladiator struck a chord with audiences thanks to its strong emotional core, and Crowe’s performance was a big part of that. It’s no surprise he’s protective of the legacy.

Legacy of Maximus

While Crowe isn’t part of the new cast, his shadow looms large over the project. The actor’s candid remarks have sparked fresh debate about what makes a sequel worthwhile, and whether filmmakers should tinker with stories that fans hold dear. For now, Crowe seems content to let his work in the original speak for itself, even if he’s not shy about calling out what he sees as missteps in the follow-up.