Gladiator 2 is finally here, but many fans are left wondering if original Gladiator star Russell Crowe will appear in the sequel. More than two decades after the release of the original film, audiences return to the Roman Empire and the gladiator rings for another historical epic. The first Gladiator helped turn Russell Crowe into a box office star, but his incredible performance as Maximus also led to him winning the Oscar for Best Actor. As a result, it remains one of his most iconic roles, and over the years there have been several attempts to bring him back for a sequel.
After a long delay, Gladiator 2 arrived with Paul Mescal in the lead role as adult Lucius. While director Ridley Scott returns to direct the film, his protagonist Crowe is not part of the film. This may not come as a surprise to many fans considering GladiatorThe end of Maximus died. However, with some of the previous sequel plans involving Maximus and the iconic nature of the character and Crowe’s performance, many fans expected him to return.
Gladiator 2’s original story plans included the return of Maximus
Nick Cave’s Gladiator 2 script spanned centuries
Russell Crowe does not return in Gladiator 2but the original script for the sequel included the return of Maximus. Before the current iteration of Gladiator The sequel took shape with writer David Scarpa, Scott worked with writer Nick Cave to develop a potential sequel. The now infamous Gladiator 2 the script called for Maximus to return after being resurrected by the Roman gods and sent to Earth with the mission to kill Jesus Christ. The franchise’s wild and unexpected direction didn’t move forward, as Cave’s Gladiator 2 the story was scrapped in favor of going in a new direction.
While Gladiator 2Maximus’ story has taken a new turn since then, taking place 25 years after the first film, Maximus’ return has not happened.
Although Maximus had played a leading role in the original Gladiator 2 script, Crowe notably did not support this development. He told Cave that he didn’t like the script, especially the ending – which saw Maximus fighting in the name of the Roman gods during World War II and the present day. While Gladiator 2Maximus’ story has taken a new turn since then, taking place 25 years after the first film, Maximus’ return has not happened.
How Russell Crowe’s Maximus Could Have Returned in Gladiator 2
Maximus’ connection to Lucius could have been explored
Although the sequel decided to focus on the new Gladiator 2 cast of characters, there were possible ways to bring Russell Crowe’s Maximus back for a sequel. The sequence confirms the long-held belief that Maximus is Lucius’ father. The original Gladiator suggests Máximo and Lucila’s previous romantic relationship, but stops short of revealing who Lúcio’s father is. Confirming that Maximus is his father could have helped bring Crowe back to Gladiator 2even if it’s just for a small function.
Flashbacks could have been incorporated into Gladiator 2 have Maximus appear in a brief scene detailing his and Lucilla’s romance. It could even reveal whether Maximus ever knew Lucius was his son. Paul Mescal’s older version of Lucius could even have talked to Maximus in his imagination. This would have allowed Maximus to help guide his son, even if he was no longer around.
What Russell Crowe has been up to while Gladiator II was filming
The actor remained consistent
Filming for Gladiator II began in June 2023, and while Russell Crowe wasn’t involved in the sequel, he was busy at the same time. Crowe actually returned to Rome as Gladiator II was in progress with his horror film The Pope’s Exorcist, in which he plays a priest who assumes demonic possession in the Vatican. In fact, Crowe made a second exorcism film around the same time in The Exorcism in 2024.
Recently, Crowe’s career has seen him take on smaller projects compared to the blockbuster size of Gladiator. This includes the crime thriller Sleeping Dogs and the acclaimed action film Land of Evil. Crowe returns to blockbusters with his supporting role in the upcoming Kraven the Hunter. Interestingly, Crowe returns to the Roman Empire for the first time since Gladiator in the upcoming film The Last Druid.