Russell Crowe’s Career: From ‘Prisoners of the Sun’ to ‘Kraven the Hunter’

Russell Crowe is an actor known for his commanding screen presence and intense, immersive performances. He first gained recognition in his native Australia before making a powerful transition to Hollywood, where he quickly established himself as a leading man of formidable talent. His career is marked by a series of iconic roles that showcase his remarkable versatility, from heroic generals and brilliant mathematicians to determined detectives and complex villains. Crowe’s dedication to his craft is legendary, often transforming himself physically and emotionally for his characters.

Initially known for his fiery temperament both on and off-screen, Crowe channeled that intensity into his work, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award. Over the decades, he has navigated the landscape of Hollywood, starring in massive blockbusters and smaller, character-driven films alike. Whether leading a Roman army, captaining a ship on the high seas, or playing a troubled modern man, Russell Crowe consistently delivers performances that are powerful, believable, and unforgettable.

‘Prisoners of the Sun’ (1990)

In this historical war drama, Russell Crowe played Lieutenant Jack Corbett. The film is set in the aftermath of World War II and centers on a war crimes trial investigating a massacre of Australian soldiers that occurred on the island of Ambon.

This was one of Crowe’s earliest film roles, and it saw him as part of an ensemble cast of Australian actors. His performance as the young, idealistic officer was a solid early step in a career that would soon take off in his home country.

‘The Crossing’ (1990)

Russell Crowe starred as Johnny Ryan in this Australian romantic drama. Set in a small country town in the 1960s, the film tells the story of a love triangle that unfolds between three friends on the verge of adulthood.

This was one of Crowe’s first leading roles, and it showcased his ability to portray brooding intensity and passion. His performance as the charismatic but troubled Johnny helped to establish him as a rising star in Australian cinema.

‘Proof’ (1991)

In this acclaimed Australian independent film, Russell Crowe played Andy, the kind and charming friend of the protagonist. The story centers on a blind photographer who takes pictures as “proof” that the world is as people describe it to him, but he trusts no one until he meets Andy.

Crowe’s warm and charismatic performance was a critical breakthrough, earning him an Australian Film Institute award for Best Supporting Actor. The role demonstrated his range beyond intense, brooding characters and showed his ability to bring sincerity and heart to the screen.

‘Spotswood’ (1991)

Russell Crowe had a supporting role as Kim Barry in this quirky Australian comedy. The film, which also starred a young Anthony Hopkins, is set in the 1960s and follows a time-and-motion expert who is hired to modernize a moccasin factory.

Crowe played one of the factory workers, a confident and ambitious young man. The role was part of a series of diverse performances he took on in the early 1990s that built his reputation as a versatile and reliable actor in his home country.

‘Romper Stomper’ (1992)

In a powerful and terrifying performance, Russell Crowe starred as Hando, the charismatic and violent leader of a neo-Nazi skinhead gang in Melbourne. The film follows the group’s brutal activities and the internal conflicts that arise when a troubled young woman joins their circle.

The role was a major turning point in Crowe’s career, earning him international attention and an Australian Film Institute award for Best Actor. His chilling and fully committed portrayal of the hateful gang leader was both critically acclaimed and highly controversial, solidifying his reputation as a fearless and intense performer.

‘Hammers Over the Anvil’ (1993)

Russell Crowe played East Driscoll in this Australian coming-of-age drama. Set in the 1930s, the story is told from the perspective of a young boy with polio who idolizes a strong and independent horseman, played by Crowe.

As the skilled and rugged horseman who is having a secret affair with a married woman, Crowe embodied a classic masculine archetype. The role continued to build on his image as a charismatic leading man in Australian period films.

‘The Silver Brumby’ (1993)

In this family adventure film, Russell Crowe played a character known as “The Man.” The movie tells the story of a magnificent wild stallion in the Australian Alps and the efforts of a determined man to capture it.

Crowe played the skilled horseman Egan, the primary antagonist to the majestic wild horse. This role showcased his strong screen presence and his comfort with physical, outdoor performances set in the Australian landscape.

‘For the Moment’ (1993)

Russell Crowe starred as Lachlan Currie in this Canadian romantic drama. Set in rural Manitoba during World War II, the film follows the love stories that develop between young Canadian women and the Australian airmen who are stationed there for training.

As a dashing young pilot who falls for a local woman, Crowe delivered a sensitive and romantic performance. The film was another step toward building his international profile before his eventual move to Hollywood.

‘Love in Limbo’ (1993)

In this Australian comedy, Russell Crowe played Arthur Baskin. The film is a coming-of-age story set in the 1950s that follows a gawky teenager who is trying to gain experience with women, with the help of his more confident friends.

Crowe portrayed one of the more worldly and self-assured teenagers in the group. This lighthearted, comedic role was a departure from the intense, dramatic characters he was becoming known for at the time.

‘The Sum of Us’ (1994)

Russell Crowe played Jeff Mitchell, a young gay man living in Sydney, in this heartwarming comedy-drama. The film focuses on the close and loving relationship between Jeff and his widowed, straight-talking father, who is actively trying to help his son find a boyfriend.

The role was another demonstration of Crowe’s versatility and his willingness to take on challenging and progressive characters. His performance was praised for its warmth, humor, and sensitivity, showing a gentle side to his acting that contrasted with his more famously intense roles.

‘The Quick and the Dead’ (1995)

This film marked Russell Crowe’s American debut. In this stylish Western, he played Cort, a former gunslinger who has become a preacher. He is forced by the town’s tyrannical ruler to participate in a deadly quick-draw competition against his will.

Director Sam Raimi and star Sharon Stone were so impressed with his work in ‘Romper Stomper’ that they insisted on casting him. His performance as the reluctant hero with a dark past introduced him to American audiences and successfully launched his Hollywood career.

‘No Way Back’ (1995)

In this action thriller, Russell Crowe starred as FBI Agent Zack Grant. The story follows Grant as he is escorting a mobster’s son on a flight, only to find himself in the middle of a deadly plot when the plane is hijacked.

This role was a more conventional action-hero part for Crowe. The film went directly to video in the United States, but it was another early step in establishing himself as a viable leading man in American genre films.

‘Virtuosity’ (1995)

Russell Crowe played SID 6.7, a sadistic and intelligent virtual reality entity, in this science fiction action film. SID, a composite of the personalities of the world’s most dangerous serial killers, manages to escape into the real world, and a former cop, played by Denzel Washington, must stop him.

As the film’s primary villain, Crowe delivered a wildly over-the-top and scenery-chewing performance. He clearly relished the chance to play such an outlandish and purely evil character, creating a memorable antagonist for the high-concept thriller.

‘Rough Magic’ (1995)

In this quirky fantasy-noir film, Russell Crowe played Alex Ross. The story follows a magician’s assistant in the 1950s who flees to Mexico after witnessing a murder. There, she meets Ross, a troubled American expatriate, and they get involved in a quest for ancient magic.

The film was an unconventional mix of genres, and Crowe’s role as the romantic lead was part of its strange and whimsical charm. It was another unique choice in a career that consistently defied easy categorization.

‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

In a major breakthrough role, Russell Crowe starred as Officer Wendell “Bud” White in this acclaimed neo-noir crime film. Set in the 1950s, the movie follows three very different LAPD officers who become entangled in a web of corruption, conspiracy, and murder.

Crowe’s performance as the violently explosive but deeply moral “Bud” White was a powerhouse of controlled rage and vulnerability. The role made him a major Hollywood star and established his reputation as a formidable dramatic actor capable of immense intensity and nuance.

‘Heaven’s Burning’ (1997)

Russell Crowe played Colin O’Brien in this Australian crime film. He portrays a getaway driver for a botched bank robbery who ends up on the run with a young Japanese woman who was taken as a hostage.

The film is a road movie that follows the development of the unlikely relationship between the two fugitives. It was a return to his Australian roots after he had found success in Hollywood.

‘Breaking Up’ (1997)

In this romantic comedy-drama, Russell Crowe starred as Steve. The film follows the tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship between a man and a woman who struggle with their inability to either live with each other or live without each other.

Paired with Salma Hayek, Crowe explored the highs and lows of a passionate but dysfunctional romance. The film was a small, character-driven piece that focused on the intimate dynamics of a single relationship.

‘Mystery, Alaska’ (1999)

Russell Crowe played Sheriff John Biebe in this sports comedy-drama. The film is about a small, hockey-obsessed town in Alaska whose amateur team gets the chance of a lifetime when they are chosen to play an exhibition game against the NHL’s New York Rangers.

As the town sheriff and a former player, Crowe is the steady and respected leader of the community. His performance provided the film with a grounded, quiet authority amidst the quirky ensemble cast.

‘The Insider’ (1999)

For his role as Jeffrey Wigand, Russell Crowe received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. In this true-life drama, he portrayed a former tobacco industry executive who becomes a whistleblower, risking his career and his family to expose the industry’s secrets on the news program ’60 Minutes’.

Crowe underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, gaining weight and aging himself to look like the real-life Wigand. His performance was a masterclass in subtlety, capturing the immense stress, fear, and moral conviction of an ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

In the role that made him a global superstar, Russell Crowe starred as Maximus Decimus Meridius. He is a powerful Roman general who is betrayed by the emperor’s ambitious son. Forced into slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor.

Crowe’s iconic performance as the heroic and determined gladiator earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was a massive blockbuster that revitalized the historical epic genre, and his portrayal of Maximus remains one of the most celebrated and beloved performances in modern cinema.

‘Proof of Life’ (2000)

Russell Crowe played Terry Thorne, a professional kidnap and ransom negotiator, in this action thriller. He is hired to rescue an American engineer who has been abducted by guerrilla forces in a South American country.

The film paired him with Meg Ryan and showcased him as a capable and cool-headed action hero. The role capitalized on his newfound stardom after ‘Gladiator’, solidifying his status as a major Hollywood leading man.

‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001)

For his portrayal of the real-life mathematical genius John Nash, Russell Crowe earned his third consecutive Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The biographical drama chronicles Nash’s life from his rise as a brilliant scholar to his long and difficult struggle with schizophrenia.

Crowe delivered a remarkable and sensitive performance, skillfully tracing Nash’s journey over several decades. He captured both the brilliance of Nash’s mind and the painful, confusing reality of his mental illness, anchoring the film that went on to win Best Picture.

‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ (2003)

In this acclaimed historical epic, Russell Crowe starred as Captain “Lucky” Jack Aubrey of the HMS Surprise. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the film follows Captain Aubrey as he pushes his ship and his crew to their limits in a relentless pursuit of a superior French warship around South America.

Crowe’s performance as the brilliant, inspiring, and music-loving captain was highly praised. He embodied the spirit of leadership and adventure, creating a rich and believable character at the center of a meticulously detailed and authentic naval drama.

‘Cinderella Man’ (2005)

Russell Crowe played the real-life boxer James J. Braddock in this inspirational biographical drama. The film tells the story of Braddock, a down-and-out dockworker during the Great Depression who makes an improbable comeback to become the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

Reuniting with director Ron Howard, Crowe once again transformed himself physically to portray the boxer. His heartfelt and powerful performance captured the quiet dignity, determination, and resilience of an underdog hero fighting for his family.

‘A Good Year’ (2006)

In this lighthearted romantic comedy, Russell Crowe played Max Skinner. He is a ruthless and successful London investment broker who inherits his uncle’s vineyard in Provence, France. He initially plans to sell the property quickly but finds himself charmed by the relaxed lifestyle and a local woman.

The film marked a reunion with his ‘Gladiator’ director, Ridley Scott, for a much different kind of story. The role allowed Crowe to showcase a softer, more comedic side as a cynical man who rediscovers the simpler pleasures in life.

‘Bra Boys’ (2007)

Russell Crowe served as the narrator for this Australian documentary film. The movie chronicles the true story of the Bra Boys, a surf gang from the working-class Sydney suburb of Maroubra, and focuses on the lives of the three Abberton brothers.

Crowe, who has a personal connection to the area and the people involved, lent his powerful voice to tell their story. His involvement brought greater international attention to the documentary, which explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and struggle.

‘3:10 to Yuma’ (2007)

In this critically acclaimed Western remake, Russell Crowe played the infamous outlaw Ben Wade. After being captured, Wade must be transported by a small-time rancher to a train that will take him to prison, all while Wade’s ruthless gang tries to free him.

Crowe’s performance as the charming, intelligent, and deadly villain was a highlight of the film. He created a complex and charismatic antagonist, and his psychological cat-and-mouse game with Christian Bale’s character drove the tense and exciting narrative.

‘American Gangster’ (2007)

Russell Crowe starred as Detective Richie Roberts in this crime drama based on a true story. He is an honest and determined New Jersey detective in the 1970s who is tasked with bringing down the powerful drug empire of Harlem kingpin Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington.

Reuniting once again with director Ridley Scott, Crowe portrayed Roberts as a dedicated outsider in a corrupt police force. His quiet, methodical performance provided the perfect counterbalance to Washington’s flamboyant and powerful drug lord.

‘Body of Lies’ (2008)

In his fourth collaboration with Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe played Ed Hoffman. He is a manipulative and pragmatic high-level CIA boss who directs a field operative, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, from his comfortable suburban home in the United States.

For the role, Crowe gained a significant amount of weight, creating a stark physical contrast with the agent on the ground. He portrayed Hoffman as a brilliant but detached strategist, a master of a deadly game played from thousands of miles away.

‘Tenderness’ (2009)

Russell Crowe played Detective Cristofuoro in this dark psychological thriller. The film centers on a troubled teenager who is released from juvenile detention after killing his parents and the obsessive detective who is convinced he will kill again.

As the world-weary detective, Crowe is a man haunted by the case and driven to protect a young girl who has become fascinated with the dangerous boy. It was a somber, character-driven role in a smaller-scale film.

‘State of Play’ (2009)

In this political thriller, Russell Crowe starred as Cal McAffrey, a seasoned, old-school newspaper reporter. He finds himself investigating a conspiracy involving a rising congressman, who also happens to be his old friend, after the politician’s mistress dies under suspicious circumstances.

Crowe delivered a compelling performance as a rumpled and relentless journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth. He embodied the spirit of investigative reporting in a tense and intelligent thriller about the intersection of media, politics, and corporate power.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

In his fifth film with director Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe took on the iconic role of Robin Longstride. This film serves as an origin story for the legendary hero, depicting him as a common archer in King Richard’s army who returns to England after the king’s death and gets swept up in a battle against tyranny. Crowe also served as a producer on the film.

Crowe’s portrayal of Robin Hood was gritty, realistic, and battle-hardened, a departure from previous, more swashbuckling interpretations. The film aimed to provide a historical basis for the legend, with Crowe at the center as a reluctant leader of the people.

‘The Next Three Days’ (2010)

Russell Crowe starred as John Brennan in this thriller. He plays a community college professor whose life is turned upside down when his wife is convicted of a murder she claims she did not commit. Convinced of her innocence, this ordinary man devises a desperate and dangerous plan to break her out of prison.

Crowe gave a powerful and relatable performance as an everyman pushed to extraordinary lengths for the woman he loves. He believably portrayed the character’s transformation from a mild-mannered academic to a determined and resourceful man of action.

‘The Man with the Iron Fists’ (2012)

In this martial arts film, Russell Crowe played a character named Jacknife. The movie is set in 19th-century China and follows a group of warriors and assassins who descend upon a jungle village. Crowe’s character is a mysterious British soldier and opium addict with a hidden agenda.

The role was a flamboyant and over-the-top supporting part in a highly stylized and action-packed film directed by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. It was a fun and unexpected genre turn for the actor.

‘Les Misérables’ (2012)

Russell Crowe took on the iconic role of Inspector Javert in this blockbuster musical adaptation of the famous stage play. Javert is the rigid and relentless police inspector who is obsessed with hunting down the protagonist, Jean Valjean, over several decades.

The role required Crowe to perform his songs live on set, a challenging task for any actor. While his vocal performance was the subject of much debate among critics and audiences, he brought a powerful dramatic intensity to the character of the lawman driven by an unwavering and ultimately tragic sense of duty.

‘Broken City’ (2013)

In this political thriller, Russell Crowe played Mayor Nicholas Hostetler. He portrays the powerful and charismatic mayor of New York City who hires a disgraced ex-cop to investigate his wife’s infidelity, only to draw the man into a much larger conspiracy of corruption and murder.

As the film’s primary antagonist, Crowe delivered a smooth and menacing performance. He effectively portrayed a charming public figure with a dark and ruthless side, a man who will stop at nothing to hold onto his power.

‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Russell Crowe took on the role of Jor-El, Superman’s biological father, in this reboot of the superhero franchise. Jor-El is a brilliant scientist on the planet Krypton who, knowing his world is doomed, makes the difficult decision to send his infant son to Earth to preserve their race and become a symbol of hope for humanity.

Though his character dies early in the film, he has a significant presence throughout, appearing as a holographic consciousness that guides his son. Crowe brought a sense of gravitas, nobility, and authority to the iconic comic book character.

‘Red Obsession’ (2013)

Russell Crowe served as the narrator for this documentary film. The movie explores the massive shift in the world of fine wine, focusing on how the growing demand from wealthy Chinese collectors has dramatically impacted the price and prestige of the famous Bordeaux vineyards of France.

Once again lending his distinctive voice to a documentary project, Crowe guided audiences through this fascinating story about culture, history, and global economics.

‘Winter’s Tale’ (2014)

In this fantasy romance, Russell Crowe played the villainous Pearly Soames. He is a powerful demon and gang leader in early 20th-century New York who is hunting the film’s protagonist, a thief who falls in love with a dying young woman and discovers he has a magical destiny.

As the menacing and relentless demon, Crowe chewed the scenery in a role that required him to be a purely evil and supernatural force. It was a memorable turn in a film known for its ambitious and highly romantic magical realism.

‘Noah’ (2014)

Russell Crowe starred in the title role of this epic biblical drama from director Darren Aronofsky. The film is a dark and intense retelling of the story of Noah, a man chosen by God to build an ark to save his family and the world’s animals from a catastrophic flood meant to wipe out a wicked humanity.

Crowe’s portrayal of Noah was complex and tormented. He was not just a righteous builder, but a man burdened by a terrible mission and grappling with the meaning of justice and mercy. The powerful and gritty performance was the anchor of this unconventional and controversial biblical epic.

‘The Water Diviner’ (2014)

This film marked Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, and he also starred as the main character, Joshua Connor. Set after World War I, the story follows an Australian farmer who travels to Turkey to find the bodies of his three sons, who are presumed dead after the Battle of Gallipoli.

As both director and star, Crowe created a moving and heartfelt film about grief, hope, and connection. His performance as the determined and heartbroken father was widely praised, and the film was a major success in Australia.

‘Fathers and Daughters’ (2015)

In this drama, Russell Crowe played Jake Davis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. The film’s story unfolds in two timelines: in the past, Jake struggles to raise his young daughter on his own after his wife’s death and a subsequent mental breakdown, and in the present, his grown daughter grapples with the emotional fallout of her childhood. Crowe also served as an executive producer on the film.

Crowe gave a powerful and emotional performance as a father trying to battle his own demons while providing a loving home for his child. The role allowed him to explore themes of love, loss, and the complex bonds of family.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)

Russell Crowe starred as Jackson Healy in this critically acclaimed action-comedy from director Shane Black. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, he plays a tough-guy enforcer who reluctantly teams up with a bumbling private eye, played by Ryan Gosling, to investigate the disappearance of a young woman and the death of a porn star.

Crowe’s deadpan, world-weary performance was the perfect straight man to Gosling’s physical comedy, and their on-screen chemistry was highly praised. The film showcased his excellent comedic timing and his ability to balance tough-guy action with sharp, witty dialogue.

‘War Machine’ (2017)

Russell Crowe made an uncredited cameo appearance as Bob White in this satirical war film. The movie stars Brad Pitt as a four-star general sent to Afghanistan to command the NATO forces.

Crowe’s brief appearance was a fun, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in the film. He played a high-ranking general who shares a scene with Pitt’s character.

‘The Mummy’ (2017)

In this monster movie reboot, Russell Crowe played Dr. Henry Jekyll, the head of a secret society known as Prodigium, which is dedicated to hunting supernatural threats. He also briefly transforms into his violent and uncontrollable alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde.

The role was intended to be a key part of Universal’s planned “Dark Universe,” with Crowe’s character serving as a Nick Fury-like figure connecting the various monster films. Though the cinematic universe did not move forward, his performance as the sophisticated and dangerous Jekyll was a memorable part of the film.

‘Turtle Odyssey’ (2018)

Russell Crowe narrated this documentary, which follows the incredible journey of a green sea turtle named Bunji. The film traces her life from a hatchling on the shores of Australia across the open ocean, facing numerous dangers along the way.

His warm and engaging narration helped to bring the turtle’s epic, multi-year journey to life for audiences of all ages. The project was another example of his work in documentary film, particularly those focused on the natural world.

‘Boy Erased’ (2018)

In this biographical drama, Russell Crowe played Marshall Eamons. The film is based on a true story and follows the son of a Baptist pastor who is outed to his parents and forced to attend a gay conversion therapy program.

Crowe portrayed the deeply religious and conflicted father who believes the program is the only way to “cure” his son. His nuanced performance captured the struggle of a man torn between his rigid faith and his love for his child.

‘True History of the Kelly Gang’ (2019)

Russell Crowe had a supporting role as Harry Power in this gritty and punk-rock-infused adaptation of the story of the famous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly. Power is a notorious outlaw who becomes a mentor to the young Ned, teaching him the ways of a criminal.

Crowe’s performance as the grizzled and charismatic veteran outlaw was a memorable part of the film’s unconventional take on the historical legend. The role was a return to the world of Australian folklore and history.

‘Unhinged’ (2020)

In this intense psychological thriller, Russell Crowe played a character known only as “The Man.” He is a mentally unstable man who, after a confrontation with a young mother at a traffic light, decides to make her the target of his terrifying road rage, stalking and tormenting her throughout the city.

Crowe delivered a frightening and physically imposing performance as the film’s relentless antagonist. The role was a departure for him, placing him in the center of a straightforward and brutal genre film where he was the primary source of terror.

‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021)

Russell Crowe reprised his role as Jor-El in this director’s cut of the ‘Justice League’ film. Though he did not shoot new footage, his voice from ‘Man of Steel’ is heard during key sequences.

His uncredited vocal performance is part of the film’s expanded narrative, as the Kryptonian scout ship’s AI, which carries his consciousness, is activated. His voice once again provides guidance and exposition in the world of the DC superheroes.

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022)

In a comedic cameo, Russell Crowe played Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. When Thor and his friends travel to Omnipotence City to ask for help, they encounter the flamboyant, arrogant, and surprisingly out-of-shape Greek god.

Crowe’s performance, complete with a thick and often-mocked Greek accent, was a humorous and scene-stealing part of the Marvel blockbuster. He fully leaned into the comedic and slightly ridiculous portrayal of the powerful deity.

‘Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher’ (2022)

Russell Crowe played Jack Slack in this biographical sports drama. The film tells the story of Jem Belcher, a young boxer in the early 19th century who became the youngest-ever champion of England.

As Jack Slack, a respected former champion and trainer, Crowe portrays the tough but wise mentor to the young protagonist. The role saw him return to the world of historical boxing, this time as a supporting character.

‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ (2022)

In this war comedy-drama based on a true story, Russell Crowe had a supporting role as the war correspondent Arthur Coates. The film follows a man who, in 1967, decides to leave New York and travel to Vietnam to bring beer to his friends who are fighting in the war.

Crowe’s character is a cynical and world-weary journalist who the protagonist meets in a bar in Saigon. He provides a dose of reality about the true horrors of the war, contrasting with the main character’s naive mission.

‘Poker Face’ (2022)

Russell Crowe directed, co-wrote, and starred in this thriller. He played Jake Foley, a tech billionaire and master gambler who hosts a high-stakes poker game for his childhood friends, only to reveal that he has a secret plan for revenge against them.

This project was a personal one for Crowe, giving him creative control as director, writer, and star. The film is a tense thriller that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and mortality.

‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ (2023)

Russell Crowe starred as Father Gabriele Amorth, the real-life chief exorcist for the Vatican. The horror film follows Father Amorth as he investigates the terrifying possession of a young boy and uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy that the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.

Crowe’s charismatic and often witty performance as the scooter-riding, joke-telling exorcist was widely praised and was a key factor in the film’s box office success. He brought a unique charm and authority to the lead role in the supernatural thriller.

‘Land of Bad’ (2024)

In this military action thriller, Russell Crowe played Captain Eddie Grimm, also known as “Reaper.” He is a seasoned Air Force drone pilot who provides air support and is the eyes in the sky for a young Army officer on a special forces mission in the Philippines that goes terribly wrong.

Most of Crowe’s performance takes place from the pilot’s chair, where he provides a calm and commanding presence amidst the chaos on the ground. He is the veteran voice guiding the less experienced soldier through an impossible situation.

‘Sleeping Dogs’ (2024)

Russell Crowe starred as Roy Freeman, a former homicide detective who is undergoing a cutting-edge treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. He is forced to revisit a brutal murder case from his past after new information comes to light, but he must try to piece together the clues with his fractured memory.

Crowe gives a compelling performance as a man struggling to trust his own mind. He must navigate the complex mystery while battling the effects of his illness, creating a tense and character-driven neo-noir thriller.

‘The Exorcism’ (2024)

In this supernatural horror film, Russell Crowe played Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a horror movie. His estranged daughter suspects that his erratic behavior might be due to his past addictions, or something far more sinister.

The film is a meta-horror story that plays with the idea of a cursed film production. Crowe’s role as an actor losing his grip on reality allowed him to explore themes of performance, trauma, and possession.

‘Gladiator II’ (2024)

In this highly anticipated sequel to his most famous film, Russell Crowe appears as Maximus Decimus Meridius, but only through the use of archive footage from the original movie. The film follows the story of an adult Lucius, the son of Lucilla and nephew of the corrupt Emperor Commodus, who was inspired by Maximus’s sacrifice.

While Crowe is not a direct part of the new story, his iconic character’s legacy hangs over the entire film. The inclusion of footage from the original serves to connect the two generations and honor the impact of the heroic gladiator.

‘Kraven the Hunter’ (2024)

Russell Crowe plays Nikolai Kravinoff in this superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character. He is the estranged father of the main character, Sergei Kravinoff, who is an avid big-game hunter and gains superhuman abilities after a near-fatal encounter with a lion.

The role sees Crowe as the patriarch of a dysfunctional and powerful family, a key figure in the origin story of the famous Spider-Man villain. His performance adds a layer of dramatic weight to the comic book action film.

From the Colosseum in Rome to the battlefields of World War II, let us know in the comments which Russell Crowe character has resonated most with you.