Russell Crowe Criticizes ‘Gladiator 2’ for Losing Original’s Moral Center
Russell Crowe has voiced his concerns about Gladiator 2, saying he feels the sequel misses the moral heart that made the original 2000 film a classic.
In an interview with the Australian outlet Triple J, Crowe explained that the first Gladiator was special not for its battles or grand sets, but for the strong ethical center of his character, Maximus. “It wasn’t the pomp. It wasn’t the circumstance. It wasn’t the action. It was the moral core,” he said.
Crowe expressed frustration over the storyline in Gladiator 2, which reveals that Paul Mescal’s character, Lucius, is the illegitimate son of Maximus. This new plot point, which was heavily promoted before the film’s 2024 release, had not been hinted at in the first movie. Crowe feels it undermines Maximus’ integrity, noting that it conflicts with the character’s loyalty and sense of morality.
He also recalled how careful he had to be during the original movie to maintain Maximus’ moral code. “The thing is, there was a daily fight on that set. It was a daily fight to keep that moral core of the character,” he said. Crowe explained that suggestions for romantic or s**** scenes were made but were rejected because they would have compromised Maximus’ principles.
“So you’re saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was f**** this other girl? What are you talking about? It’s crazy,” he added.
Gladiator 2, directed and produced by Ridley Scott, stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington. Derek Jacobi and Nielsen reprise their roles from the original film.
The sequel focuses on Lucius Verus Aurelius, an exiled prince of Rome who becomes a gladiator while a former slave, Macrinus, plots to overthrow the twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
The idea for a sequel had been considered as early as 2001, but production was delayed multiple times, including a pause when DreamWorks was sold to Paramount in 2006.
The movie premiered in Sydney on October 30, 2024, and was released in the UK and US in November. It earned generally positive reviews and grossed $462.2 million worldwide. The film received Golden Globe nominations for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Supporting Actor for Washington, along with an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
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