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We waited an extended, very long time for director Ridley Scott to make a sequel to his beloved 2000 Finest Image-winning basic, “Gladiator.” That sequel arrived in late 2024 within the type of “Gladiator II.” Although not practically as roundly praised as its predecessor, the sequel did end as one of many highest-grossing films of the yr, and it did so with out bringing again its earlier star, Oscar-winner Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius. That is as a result of Maximus died within the first one … however that did not forestall the writers from making an attempt to carry him again anyway.
In a latest interview with The Direct, screenwriter Peter Craig revealed that there was, at one level, a scene that will have introduced again Crowe as Maximus. This may have taken place in the direction of the top of the movie and it could have occurred through a flashback with Paul Mescal’s Lucius, who (spoiler alert) is definitely Maximus’ son. Here is what Craig needed to say about it:
“There was an concept that the Romans had that you possibly can speak to your ancestors, they usually have these underground catacombs the place individuals’s urns and ashes and bones have been all buried beneath town. There had been a scene the place as soon as Lucius finds out that it is his father, he goes down there and he finds his grave. And there was simply going to be a very temporary flashback with Russell.”
For what it is value, solely two actors from the primary “Gladiator” returned within the sequel: Connie Nielsen (Lucilla) and Derek Jacobi (Senator Gracchus). So it is not as if Crowe was lacking out on some huge reunion. Nonetheless, it is simple to see why Craig and Scott not less than thought of this feature.
Gladiator II was most likely higher off with out Russell Crowe
For higher or worse, Maximus solid a really massive shadow over the sequel, despite the fact that Crowe would not really seem within the movie. There have been totally different variations of the sequel floated through the years, however Scott lastly felt prefer it was the proper time to make “Gladiator II.” Doing so with out the people who made the unique such a giant hit was a tall order.
A number of different writers, together with Scott, in the end crafted the story that we noticed unfold within the sequel. The director ended up being a giant fan of the way it turned out, as he is already introduced plans for a possible “Gladiator 3” with Paul Mescal returning. Craig, for his half, feels they made the proper name in leaving this flashback scene out of the film:
“I believe they most likely made the proper determination not utilizing it. However I used to be on that with Ridley [Scott] for some time … I form of gave them a giant menu of stuff, they usually chosen some issues from it, and I believe they left loads of the proper stuff off of it.”
Whether or not or not the sequel was a satisfying follow-up is essentially a matter of particular person style. A cameo from Crowe most likely would not have moved the needle an excessive amount of both manner, however it may need felt a bit pressured. “Gladiator II” has been criticized for its lack of historic accuracy, however once more, Scott is not getting down to make an correct historic epic. Are you not entertained, he would possibly ask?
You may seize “Gladiator II” on 4K, Blu-ray, or DVD from Amazon.
